Chilli and Thai Basil Squid
Fresh squid on the barbie at its finest! This recipe involves a marinade of fish sauce, chilli, garlic and Thai Basil; for a perfect balance of salt, spice, garlic and floral notes. A quick fry of basil leaves adds a nice crispy texture to the dish. All tied together with a squeeze of caramelised lime.
prepare the squid, slice the hoods in half lengthways. Score the inside of the hoods and slice crossways into 1.5cm strips. Add the squid to a dish along with the garlic, chopped chilli, chopped basil, fish sauce, black pepper and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate. For best results cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Prepare the barbecue for direct cooking over high heat (250°C-290°C). Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a small Q Ware Frying Pan. Place the pan onto the barbecue for 10 minutes while it is preheating.
Add the ½ cup fresh whole Thai basil leaves to the hot oil. Fry the leaves for 2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the fried basil leaves from the pan with a slotted spoon and leave to drain on a plate lined with paper towel. Remove the frying pan from the grill and leave to cool on a heat proof surface. Place the squid onto the cooking grill in a singular layer, grill over direct high heat, with the lid closed, for 2 minutes, until just slightly golden. Flip the squid and cook for a further 2 minutes, remove from the barbecue. It is best to take the squid off the barbecue slightly early rather than over cooking. Grill the lime, cut side down for 2 minutes to caramelise.
Dish the squid onto a serving platter, top with fresh basil leaves, garnish with chilli and finish with a squeeze of caramelised lime.
The Thai basil can be replaced with sweet basil.
Ingredients
Directions
prepare the squid, slice the hoods in half lengthways. Score the inside of the hoods and slice crossways into 1.5cm strips. Add the squid to a dish along with the garlic, chopped chilli, chopped basil, fish sauce, black pepper and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate. For best results cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Prepare the barbecue for direct cooking over high heat (250°C-290°C). Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a small Q Ware Frying Pan. Place the pan onto the barbecue for 10 minutes while it is preheating.
Add the ½ cup fresh whole Thai basil leaves to the hot oil. Fry the leaves for 2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the fried basil leaves from the pan with a slotted spoon and leave to drain on a plate lined with paper towel. Remove the frying pan from the grill and leave to cool on a heat proof surface. Place the squid onto the cooking grill in a singular layer, grill over direct high heat, with the lid closed, for 2 minutes, until just slightly golden. Flip the squid and cook for a further 2 minutes, remove from the barbecue. It is best to take the squid off the barbecue slightly early rather than over cooking. Grill the lime, cut side down for 2 minutes to caramelise.
Dish the squid onto a serving platter, top with fresh basil leaves, garnish with chilli and finish with a squeeze of caramelised lime.
The Thai basil can be replaced with sweet basil.