Grilled Squid with Barbecue Sauce

Grilled squid, or "cumi-cumi bakar," is a popular seafood dish known for its unique texture and ability to absorb rich, flavorful marinades. The combination of tender squid and smoky barbecue sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, grilled squid with barbecue sauce offers a delightful culinary experience that will leave you craving more. In this 500-word article, we will explore the process of preparing and grilling squid, along with how to create a delicious barbecue sauce that enhances its natural flavors.

Ingredients:

To make grilled squid with barbecue sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

For the squid:

- 4 medium-sized squids (cleaned and prepared)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 cloves garlic (minced)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Wooden or metal skewers

For the barbecue sauce:

- 1/2 cup ketchup

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)

- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

- 1 tablespoon mustard

- 1/4 cup water

- 1 tablespoon butter

- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Squid:

Squid is a versatile seafood, but it requires proper cleaning and preparation before cooking. Start by ensuring that your squids are clean. If the squid has not been cleaned by the fishmonger, you can do this yourself by removing the head, cutting off the tentacles, and discarding the innards. Rinse the squid thoroughly under cold water to remove any residual sand or grit.

Once the squid is clean, cut it into rings if you prefer smaller pieces or leave the body whole for a more dramatic presentation. Marinate the squid with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple marinade will help to tenderize the squid and give it a subtle flavor base before adding the barbecue sauce.

Making the Barbecue Sauce:

While the squid marinates, you can prepare the barbecue sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and water. Stir the ingredients together over medium heat until the sauce begins to simmer.

As the sauce heats up, add the butter to create a richer texture. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside.

Grilling the Squid:

Grilling squid is quick and easy. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.

Thread the marinated squid onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Place the skewered squid on the grill, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Squid cooks very quickly, so be sure not to overcook it, as it can become rubbery and tough.

As the squid grills, use a brush to apply the barbecue sauce generously on both sides. The heat from the grill will caramelize the sauce, giving the squid a rich, smoky flavor. Keep basting the squid with more sauce as it cooks to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.

Serving the Dish:

Once the squid is done grilling, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining barbecue sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor. You can garnish the dish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.

Grilled squid with barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Its bold, smoky flavors also make it an excellent appetizer for outdoor barbecues or dinner parties.

Grilled squid with barbecue sauce is a dish that brings out the best in both seafood and smoky barbecue flavors. The tender texture of the squid, combined with the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce, creates an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you're a fan of seafood or just looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for summer grilling or a special occasion, it’s a recipe worth adding to your culinary repertoire!