Description
Mediterranean keto garlic squid delivers oceanic freshness with low-carb elegance. Delicate tentacles dance with zesty herbs, promising a gourmet experience that delights health-conscious seafood enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) squid rings and tentacles, cleaned
Fats and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Carefully clean and thoroughly dry the squid using kitchen towels, ensuring no excess liquid remains.
- Slice the squid tubes into uniform rings, creating consistent cooking surfaces for even heat distribution.
- Melt butter and olive oil together in a spacious skillet, heating over medium-high temperature to create a flavorful cooking base.
- Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the melted fat, allowing aromatics to release their intense fragrance for approximately 30 seconds.
- Gently introduce squid rings and tentacles into the sizzling pan, creating a single layer to promote proper caramelization.
- Dust the seafood with paprika, creating a warm color and depth of flavor, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Rapidly saute the squid, continuously stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, watching for the transformation to a translucent, golden appearance.
- Once the squid reaches optimal tenderness, immediately remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked seafood, adding brightness and acidity to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley across the dish, providing a fresh herbaceous garnish and visual appeal.
- Transfer to serving plates and consume immediately while the squid remains tender and warm.
Notes
- Pat the squid completely dry to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy and ensure perfect golden searing.
- Use fresh, high-quality squid for the best texture and flavor, avoiding frozen options that can become rubbery when cooked.
- Quick cooking is crucial; overcooking transforms squid into a tough, chewy texture, so keep cooking time under 2 minutes for tender results.
- For dairy-free alternatives, replace butter with avocado oil or ghee to maintain the rich, creamy flavor profile while keeping the recipe keto-friendly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg