Squid Salad Recipes

SEASIDE SQUID SALAD

Steps:

• Thoroughly rinse the squid under cold water and pat dry. Cut the tentacles in half lengthwise. Cut the bodies in half lengthwise as well and then into 1/2-inch wide pieces. Set aside.
• Over high heat, bring 1/2 inch of water to a boil in a 6-quart saucepan. Decrease the heat in order to maintain a simmer. Place the squid in a steamer basket and gently set over the simmering water. Cover and steam for 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the steamer basket from the pot and plunge the squid into ice water to stop the cooking. Remove from the water and drain thoroughly. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin and cayenne pepper. Add the squid, tomato, onion, capers and cilantro and toss until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

GRILLED SQUID SALAD

Steps:

• Soak the capers in a bowl of water. Squeeze all the lemon juice into a large shallow bowl and add 4 tablespoons of oil. Peel the garlic and finely chop with the chilli, anchovies, pistachios, drained capers and mint leaves. Scrape it all into the bowl and mix together well.
• Reserving the tentacles, run a sharp knife down the length of each squid tube, cutting through one side only so you can open each one out like a book. Lightly score the inside of each tube in a criss-cross fashion at ½cm intervals. To cook the squid, follow Franchina's guidance and get the tentacles on early, then add the tubes, from largest to smallest. In a screaming hot griddle pan or on a barbecue, cook each piece for about 1 minute per side - with no oil or seasoning - until lightly charred and starting to curl. Start with the cut side when you do the tubes, and keep the squid moving for even cooking. As each piece is done, use tongs to dunk it straight into the salsa, turning and coating it in all that flavour.
• Slice the tomatoes and lay over a serving platter. Finely slice the squid tubes, pull the tentacles apart, then arrange on top of the tomatoes. Spoon over all the remaining salsa, and serve hot or at room temperature.

CALAMARI SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse squid under cold running water, then lightly pat dry between paper towels. Halve tentacles lengthwise and cut bodies (including flaps, if attached) crosswise into 1/3-inch-wide rings.
• Cook squid in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until just opaque, 40 to 60 seconds. Drain in a colander and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. When squid is cool, drain and pat dry.
• Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then stir in onion and let stand 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine squid, olives, tomatoes, celery, and parsley in a large bowl. Toss with dressing and season with salt and pepper. Let stand at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

SQUID SALAD

Steps:

• Pour 2 inches of water into a large Dutch oven or pot and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaves and lemon peel, and continue to boil for a few minutes, until they release their aromas.
• Set a colander or steamer over (but not touching) the water. Slip the calamari rings and tentacles into the colander or steamer, adjust the heat so the water is simmering, and cover. Cook until the calamari is just cooked through and has gone from opaque to translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes.
• Combine the olives, celery, roasted pepper, salt, oregano, peperoncino, and lemon juice in a large bowl. When the calamari is done, add it to the bowl, drizzle with the olive oil, and toss. Sprinkle in the parsley, toss again, and serve warm or at room temperature.

CALAMARI SALAD

Steps:

• Bring three quarts of water to a boil, add the squid and boil for three minutes, just until the squid turns opaque and firms up. Drain the squid and rinse it with cold water. Pat it dry on paper towels and slice the bodies into thin rings. Chop the triangular fins and the tentacles. Place the squid in a glass or ceramic bowl.
• Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Cover and refrigerate for two to three days, then serve.

SQUID SALAD WITH CUCUMBERS, ALMONDS AND PICKLED PLUM DRESSING

Steps:

• In a large bowl toss cucumbers, 2 tablespoons mirin, vinegar, shiso and salt. Taste and add more mirin, vinegar and salt, if desired. Set aside.
• To prepare squid, cut off tentacles. Thinly slice bodies into rings and halve tentacles lengthwise. Rinse and pat dry.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, toast almonds until golden brown, about one minute. Transfer to a bowl to cool and return skillet to heat.
• Drizzle olive oil into hot skillet and add squid rings. Cook for one minute, then add tentacles, salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes more, until squid is just opaque. Turn off heat; allow squid to cool slightly.
• Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon mirin and umeboshi plum paste to squid and stir to combine. Taste and add more umeboshi or mirin, if desired.
• Serve squid over cucumber salad; garnish with almonds and additional chopped shiso.

GRILLED SQUID SALAD

Steps:

• Start a charcoal or gas grill; fire should be quite hot, with rack no more than 4 inches from heat source. If using wood skewers, soak them thoroughly in water.
• Toss squid with 2 tablespoons oil, juice of 1 lemon, garlic, salt and pepper. Let sit while grill heats, tossing occasionally. Skewer squid on parallel skewers to facilitate turning. When fire is hot, grill squid until nicely browned, turning once. Total cooking time will be about 5 minutes.
• Toss greens with remaining olive oil, juice of 1 or 2 lemons (to taste), salt, pepper and shallots. Top with squid, drizzle all with a little more lemon juice and serve.

SQUID SALAD WITH LEMON-AND-PARSLEY OIL

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to the boil. Add the squid and blanch for 1 minute. Drain and set aside to cool. Place the squid in a bowl and toss with the scallions, celery, lemon-and-parsley oil, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Can be served cold or at room temperature.

GRILLED SQUID SALAD

Steps:

• Soak the capers in a bowl of water. Squeeze all the lemon juice into a large shallow bowl and add 4 tablespoons of oil. Peel the garlic and finely chop with the chilli, anchovies, pistachios, drained capers and mint leaves. Scrape it all into the bowl and mix together well.
• Reserving the tentacles, run a sharp knife down the length of each squid tube, cutting through one side only so you can open each one out like a book. Lightly score the inside of each tube in a criss-cross fashion at 1/2-centimeter (1/4-inch) intervals. To cook the squid, follow Franchina's guidance and get the tentacles on early, then add the tubes, from largest to smallest. In a screaming hot griddle pan or on a barbecue, cook each piece for about 1 minute per side--with no oil or seasoning--until lightly charred and starting to curl. Start with the cut side when you do the tubes, and keep the squid moving for even cooking. As each piece is done, use tongs to dunk it straight into the salsa, turning and coating it in all that flavour.
• Slice the tomatoes and lay over a serving platter. Finely slice the squid tubes, pull the tentacles apart, then arrange on top of the tomatoes. Spoon over all the remaining salsa and serve hot or at room temperature.