Thai Grilled Squid

Calling all seafood fans! Get ready for the mouthwatering scent of grilled squid drizzled with zesty chili lime sauce. Thai grilled squid is easy to whip up and makes a tasty, healthy meal or appetizer!

Enjoy tasty Thai grilled food, such as Pla Pao, a simple grilled salted fish, grilled Thai shrimp, grilled pork ribs, pork satay with peanut dipping sauce, and Moo Ping.

Jump to:

• What is Thai Grilled Squid?
• Why You’ll Love This Thai Grilled Squid
• Ingredients for Thai Grilled Squid
• How to Make Thai Grilled Squid
• How to Serve
• Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Thai Grilled Squid
• Variations & Substitutes
• Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Thai Grilled Squid
• More Thai Grilling Recipes

What is Thai Grilled Squid?

Thai grilled squid is a tasty street food favorite! It’s made with tender squid marinated in oyster and soy sauce, plus some herbs like cilantro roots, garlic, and white pepper for a yummy flavor. The squid gets grilled to a nice smoky char on the outside while staying soft inside.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Grilled Squid

• It is incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice.
• The squid is tender, with a slight chew that’s satisfying without being tough.
• It’s also versatile—you can serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or a snack.
• It’s easy to prepare and perfect for casual dinners and special occasions.
• A great source of lean protein for those more conscious of high-protein consumption!

Ingredients for Thai Grilled Squid

• Fresh Squid. I used headless squid from the Asian market. These come in a pack of 3 large-sized, cleaned, and prepared for grilling. Very easy to use!
• Golden Moutain Seasoning Sauce adds a rich umami flavor. You can find these at the Asian market, on Amazon, or use Maggie Seasoning sauce instead.
• Fish Sauce is a quintessential Thai ingredient, contributing to its salty depth. Read more about different Thai sauces here.
• Lime Juice. For a fresh, tangy brightness.
• Water. It adds volume and helps mellow the strong flavors a bit.
• Sugar. To balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Shallot. Provides a herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
• Cloves Garlic. Minced for a pungent kick.
• Green Chilis. Optional for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Coriander Leaves. Fresh for garnishing.

How to Make Thai Grilled Squid

1. Prepare the squid. Clean the squid thoroughly, removing the innards and beak. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Score the squid using a paring knife to allow the marinating sauce to seep through.

2. Marinate the squid. Combine oyster sauce and the Golden Mountain seasoning sauce in a large bowl. Add the clean squid and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

3. Make the dipping sauce. While the squid is marinating, chop the dipping sauce herbs into small pieces. Combine all the ingredients and adjust to taste with lime juice, fish sauce, chilis, or sugar.

4. Preheat and grill the squid. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to get white-hot. For a gas grill, set it to medium-high heat. Place the squid on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the squid is lightly charred and cooked through.

5. Brush on marinating sauce. Use a cooking brush to brush on any leftover marinating sauce. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the squid tough.

6. Serve. Transfer the grilled squid to a serving platter. Slather the grilled squid with the dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and lime wedges. Serve right away. Enjoy!

How to Serve

• Thai grilled squid is best enjoyed hot off the grill. Serve it with Thai green seafood sauce, a dipping sauce made from fish, lime juice, and fresh herbs.
• This recipe has its own spicy sauce, which I created. However, you can choose any Thai spicy sauce. Try Nam Jim Jeow, Jeow Som, 3-minute chili dipping sauce, or Prik Nam Pla sauce.
• It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, sticky rice, or a platter of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, green beans, and carrots.
• For a more traditional Thai experience, serve it alongside other Thai grilled dishes and a cold beer. Check out Pla Pao-Thai salted fish, Gai Yang- grilled chicken, grilled pork neck, or Moo Yang.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Thai Grilled Squid

• Do not overcook. Squid cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. Overcooking can lead to a tough, rubbery texture.
• Use high heat. Grilling over high heat ensures a good char without drying the squid.
• Marinate for flavor: Marinate the squid for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
• Serve immediately. Grilled squid is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, as it can become chewy as it cools.

Variations & Substitutes

• Spicy Thai grilled squid. Add extra green chilies or a spoonful of chili paste to the marinade for a spicier version.
• Lemon substitute: If lime juice isn’t available, lemon juice can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Air fryer option. For an indoor alternative, cook the marinated squid in an air fryer at 200°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Storage

If you have leftovers, store the grilled squid in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 24 hours, but it is best to eat it all within the day of grilling. Reheat in a hot oven or grill to restore some of the original texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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More Thai Grilling Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these other light and refreshing Thai recipes.