Vietnamese Grilled Squid with Chili Lime Sauce Recipe

Indonesian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and bold spices, and grilled squid satay is a prime example. Tender squid, marinated in a rich blend of aromatic lemongrass, galangal, and fiery chilies, is expertly grilled to perfection, achieving a delightful char and smoky aroma. The succulent seafood is then served with a delectable peanut sauce, its creamy texture and nutty sweetness perfectly complementing the slightly spicy squid. This dish is a delightful balance of textures and tastes, offering a unique culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

This captivating combination of smoky char, spicy marinade, and creamy peanut sauce makes grilled squid satay a truly memorable dish. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a kitchen novice, you’ll find that creating this Indonesian delight is surprisingly straightforward. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and bring this delicious satay to life.

Tools Needed

  • Grill
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • Squid
  • Chili Sauce
  • Oyster Sauce
  • Sugar
  • Fish Sauce
  • Lime
  • Lime Leaves
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Ram)
  • Lettuce Leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Squid and Marinade

  • You don't need a lot of marinade; you want to taste the squid itself.)
  • Add the marinade to the squid, ensuring it's well coated, including the inside cavity.
Combine chili sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and fish sauce in a bowl to create the marinade. Mix well. (Note: You don't need a lot of marinade; you want to taste the squid itself.)
Prepare the Squid and Marinade

Step 2. Grill the Squid

  • Preheat your grill to high heat.
  • Grill the squid, flipping once it shrinks slightly. Don't overcook to avoid toughness.
  • Once grilled, remove the squid from the grill and let it rest slightly on a cutting board.
Preheat your grill to high heat.Grill the squid, flipping once it shrinks slightly. Don't overcook to avoid toughness. Once grilled, remove the squid from the grill and let it rest slightly on a cutting board.
Grill the Squid

Step 3. Make the Chili Lime Sauce

  • Combine fresh lime leaves, lime juice, chilies, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Prepare the chili lime sauce: Combine fresh lime leaves, lime juice, chilies, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Make the Chili Lime Sauce

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve the grilled squid on lettuce leaves with the chili lime sauce and Vietnamese coriander.
Serve the grilled squid on lettuce leaves with the chili lime sauce and Vietnamese coriander.
Serve

Read more: Vietnamese Grilled Pork: A Delicious BBQ Recipe

Tips

  • Don't over-marinate the squid to preserve the seafood flavor.
  • Ensure the squid is well seasoned throughout, not just in one area.
  • The key to great Vietnamese cooking is balance and texture.
  • For a firmer texture, grill the squid longer.

Nutrition

  • Calories: varies
  • Fat: variesg
  • Carbs: variesg
  • Protein: variesg

FAQs

1. Can I marinate the squid for longer than the recipe suggests?

While a shorter marinade (30 minutes) is ideal, you can marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Marinating too long may make the squid tough.

2. What can I substitute for fish sauce?

Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but it won't provide the same umami flavor. You may want to add a bit more lime juice to compensate.

3. How do I prevent the squid from becoming rubbery?

Don't overcook the squid! Grill it over medium-high heat for just a few minutes per side, until it turns opaque and slightly charred.


This Vietnamese Grilled Squid with Chili Lime Sauce recipe is a quick, flavorful, and impressive dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures will leave you wanting more. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary journey!