Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with just one bite - our Squid Sauté with Tomatoes and Garlic is exactly that culinary magic! This quick and elegant recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will make your taste buds dance and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to expand your cooking repertoire, this recipe promises a perfect balance of tender squid, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic that will elevate your home cooking to a whole new level.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g squid, cleaned and sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Clean the squid thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the beak and quill if not already done, then slice the squid into rings or strips, depending on your preference.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Set aside. Peel and mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are finely chopped for optimal flavor release.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute, ensuring it does not smoke.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the garlic is golden and aromatic, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently to combine with the garlic, and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Next, add the sliced squid to the skillet. Stir to combine with the tomatoes and garlic. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The squid should turn opaque and firm, indicating it is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as squid can become tough if left too long.
- Once the squid is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the squid sauté to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta to soak up the delicious juices.
Tips
- Squid Preparation: Always clean squid thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful sear and prevent excess water.
- Timing is Crucial: Cook squid quickly (4-5 minutes max) to keep it tender. Overcooking will make it rubbery and tough.
- High Heat, Quick Cook: Use a hot skillet and cook squid on medium-high heat to achieve a nice light golden color without making it chewy.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest squid possible and ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don't Skip the Garnish: Fresh basil isn't just decoration - it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious cooking juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 206kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
