Lemon squid

Name: Lemon squid
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Octopi (about 4 medium, to be cleaned) 2.2 lbs; Extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp; White wine 1.3 tbsp; Lemon juice 2 tbsp; Lemon peel to taste; Parsley to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Sebastian Fitarau

Imagine a sunny day on Italy’s beautiful coast. Seriously good. That's where grilled cuttlefish—a real staple—captures the essence of fresh, simple seafood with a zesty twist. Cooks in seaside towns like Liguria, the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily, yeah, they know how to keep cuttlefish tender and delicious. The secret? It's quick, hot grilling to avoid that unwanted rubbery texture. They clean it well and grill it until it gets those light, golden marks—locking in that natural ocean flavor without drying out. Really good stuff.

What truly elevates this lemon cuttlefish dish? A refreshing emulsion of lemon, white wine, extra virgin olive oil, and freshly chopped parsley. And here's the thing—it’s drizzled on while it’s still hot, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite. Which is great.

During the warm months, dishes like grilled cuttlefish—and look, it’s everywhere—often grace Italian family tables. They pair it with grilled veggies, fresh salads, or maybe some boiled potatoes. Can't go wrong. If you’re craving something that tastes clean yet satisfying, this is it. The cuttlefish with lemon combo is a beloved favorite in Mediterranean seafood recipes. And you know what? It is easy to see why.

With just a little effort, you get a dish that’s as bright as a summer day. The lemony kick perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the seafood. Italians? They focus on those juicy, moist bites—achieved through fast cooking and fresh flavors. Whether you call it seppie al limone or just want to try something new, this dish is simple to prepare but feels way way special. A few bites and you’ll see how much flavor can be packed in with just a handful of fresh ingredients and a good squeeze of lemon. It’s a true nod to Italian coastal cuisine—where the seafood really shines with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

How to prepare Lemon squid

To prepare the lemon squid, first clean the squid: rinsing them under running water, separate the tentacles from the mantle 1. Remove the skin from the mantle 2, then remove the innards and the bone/internal shell 3.

Finally remove the eyes 4 and the beak from the tentacles 5. After rinsing them thoroughly, pat the cleaned squid dry with paper towels. Clean a grill well and brush it with a little oil 6.

Place the squid on the grill without overlapping 7, including the tentacles. Grill for 3 minutes per side 8, pressing them with your fingers to prevent them from curling. When the squid turn opaque white and the grill lines are nicely golden, set them aside 9.