When it comes to seafood, Japan is renowned for its culinary expertise. And one of the most popular and delicious dishes that showcases this skill is grilled squid. Whether you’re a sushi lover or just looking for new ideas to spice up your meals, these 18 flavorful Japanese grilled squid recipes are sure to impress.
From classic yakitori-style skewers to innovative teriyaki glazed and spicy miso-inspired dishes, we’ve got you covered with the most mouthwatering recipes that will make your taste buds dance. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey across Japan as we explore the art of grilling squid like never before.
Yakitori-Style Grilled Squid Skewers
Experience the flavors of Japan with these tender and savory squid skewers, inspired by traditional yakitori street food. Perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid tubes into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and ginger.
2. Add the squid pieces to the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread marinated squid onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Brush with sesame oil and season with salt.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the squid is tender and slightly charred.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Squid
Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Squid Recipe
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this Asian-inspired dish as tender squid is grilled to perfection and smothered in a sticky teriyaki glaze. Perfect for seafood lovers, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients:
• 1 pound cleaned and cut squid (tentacles and body)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil to make the teriyaki glaze.
3. Add garlic and ginger to the glaze; whisk until combined.
4. Brush both sides of the squid with olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
6. Brush glaze over squid during last minute of grilling.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spicy Miso Grilled Squid
Add some heat to your seafood game with this simple and flavorful recipe for Spicy Miso Grilled Squid. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both spicy and savory.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid
– 2 tablespoons miso paste
– 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
2. Add the squid to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove the squid from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Garlic Butter Grilled Squid
Savor the tender and flavorful taste of grilled squid infused with the richness of garlic butter. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned squid rings
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Brush both sides of the squid rings with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Soy Sauce and Ginger Grilled Squid
This recipe adds a savory twist to traditional grilled squid, with the bold flavors of soy sauce and ginger. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cleaned and sliced squid
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Vegetable oil for grilling
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar.
2. Add the sliced squid to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove squid from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Brush both sides of the squid with vegetable oil.
6. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of char and tenderness.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Ponzu Marinated Grilled Squid
This Japanese-inspired recipe combines the sweetness of squid with the tanginess of ponzu sauce, resulting in a flavorful and tender grilled dish. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid (tentacles and bodies)
– 1/2 cup ponzu sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together ponzu sauce, soy sauce, sake, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the squid and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove squid from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Squid with Shichimi Togarashi
Squid’s tender texture and mild flavor pair perfectly with the bold, spicy kick of Shichimi Togarashi, a popular Japanese chili powder blend. This simple recipe makes for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned squid rings
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese chili powder blend)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, and Shichimi Togarashi.
3. Add the squid rings to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Grilled Squid Stuffed with Sushi Rice
Elevate your sushi game by grilling squid and filling it with savory sushi rice. This unique recipe combines the tender texture of squid with the flavors of Japan.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cleaned and scored squid tubes
– 1 cup cooked sushi rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix cooked sushi rice with chopped scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Stuff each squid tube with the sushi rice mixture, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Brush both sides of the squid with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired doneness.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Squid with Yuzu Kosho
Experience the vibrant flavors of Japan with this simple yet impressive dish. Marinated squid is grilled to perfection and served with a spicy kick from yuzu kosho.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cleaned and cut squid into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup yuzu kosho (Japanese citrus chili paste)
– Salt, to taste
– Cooking oil or sesame oil, for grilling
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, sugar, and ginger.
2. Add the squid pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove squid from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Brush both sides of the squid with cooking oil or sesame oil.
5. Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately with a dollop of yuzu kosho on top.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Grilled Squid with Sesame Soy Glaze
Add a touch of Asian flair to your summer meals with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe for grilled squid. The combination of tender squid, nutty sesame, and savory soy sauce is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid rings
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 2 teaspoons honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, tahini, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Brush both sides of squid rings with the glaze.
4. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Squid with Wasabi Mayo
Elevate your seafood game with this Asian-inspired recipe that combines the tender texture of grilled squid with the pungent kick of wasabi mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid (tentacles and body)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake or dry white wine
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup wasabi mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, sake, and ginger. Add the squid and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Remove the squid from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s opaque and slightly charred.
5. Serve the grilled squid with a dollop of wasabi mayonnaise and garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Grilled Squid with Sweet Soy Glaze
Squid is a versatile seafood option that can be grilled to perfection, and this sweet soy glaze takes it to the next level. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish perfect for a summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned squid rings
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Brush both sides of the squid with vegetable oil.
4. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the sweet soy glaze on both sides of the squid.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Squid with Pickled Ginger
Elevate your seafood game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the tender texture of grilled squid with the tangy zing of pickled ginger. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and patted dry squid rings
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger slices (see note)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
3. Brush the squid rings with the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve immediately with pickled ginger slices on top.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Note: For pickled ginger, slice 1/4 cup of fresh ginger thinly and soak in a mixture of equal parts sugar and vinegar for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Grilled Squid with Garlic and Lime
This recipe brings out the tender sweetness of squid by pairing it with the pungency of garlic and the brightness of lime. A perfect combination for a flavorful summer dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid rings
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, olive oil, and lime juice.
3. Add squid rings to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove squid from marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it develops a nice char and is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Grilled Squid with Umami Butter
This recipe elevates the humble squid to new heights by pairing it with a rich and savory umami butter. The combination of smoky grilled squid and creamy, savory butter is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid rings
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, soy sauce, sake, and Parmesan until well combined.
3. Season squid rings with salt and pepper.
4. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
5. Serve grilled squid with umami butter spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total.
Grilled Squid with Tare Sauce
Treat your taste buds to the tender sweetness of grilled squid, paired with a tangy and savory tare sauce. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid tubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, garlic, and ginger.
3. Brush the squid tubes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Meanwhile, warm the tare sauce by simmering it in a small pan over low heat.
6. Serve grilled squid with warmed tare sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes (including grill time)
Grilled Squid with Mirin Glaze
This Japanese-inspired recipe elevates grilled squid to new heights with a sweet and savory mirin glaze, perfect for a quick summer dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and tentacle-free squid
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
3. Brush the squid with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly charred.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the mirin glaze evenly over both sides of the squid.
6. Remove from grill and let rest for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Grilled Squid with Sake Marinade
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the tender charm of grilled squid with the boldness of sake marinade. Perfect for a quick and impressive dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid rings
– 1/2 cup sake
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together sake, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the squid rings and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove the squid from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
3. Brush the grill with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly charred.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Summary
Discover the delicious world of Japanese grilled squid recipes! This collection of 18 mouthwatering dishes features a variety of flavors and marinades to tantalize your taste buds. From classic yakitori-style skewers to teriyaki glaze and spicy miso, each recipe showcases the tender and flavorful qualities of grilled squid. Other standout options include garlic butter, soy sauce and ginger, ponzu marinated, and umami butter, among others. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new culinary adventure, these Japanese-inspired recipes are sure to impress.
