How to Make Thai-Style Grilled Squid with Spicy Sauce

Thai-style grilled squid, or "Pla Muek Yang," is a delightful seafood dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a tantalizing combination of spiciness and zest. Follow this guide to make a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the squid:

1 pound of fresh squid, cleaned and gutted
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
Juice of 1 lime
Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)

For the spicy sauce:

3 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preparing the Squid

1. Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and lime juice. Stir well to create a marinade.

3. Add the cleaned squid to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Allow it to marinate for about 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Making the Spicy Sauce

4. While the squid is marinating, prepare the spicy sauce by mixing the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chopped chilies in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and then add the chopped cilantro. Set aside.

Grilling the Squid

5. Once the squid has marinated, thread the squid onto the skewers. If you have larger pieces, you can grill them whole; just make sure they are evenly cooked.

6. Place the skewered squid on the grill. Grill for around 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the squid becomes opaque and has nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook, as squid can become tough.

Serving the Dish

7. Once the squid is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving platter.

8. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the grilled squid or serve it on the side for dipping.

9. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Thai-style grilled squid with spicy sauce is a perfect dish for seafood lovers and those looking to explore the delectable tastes of Thai cuisine. It’s great for summer barbecues or as a quick weeknight meal. Pair it with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.

Enjoy your culinary adventure, and savor the flavors of Thailand right at home!