Easy Keto Garlic Squid

I whipped up this keto garlic squid dish recently when I needed a change from my usual low-carb dinners, and honestly, it blew me away! The mix of soft squid with that rich garlic tomato sauce creates such an amazing taste that feels fancy even though it fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.

Even my spouse, who normally turns their nose up at seafood, grabbed another helping and wanted to know when we'd have it again!

Essential Ingredients

• Squid: Get pre-cleaned tubes and tentacles from your fish counter to cut down on prep. Thawed frozen ones work just as well.
• Garlic cloves: Don't skimp with jarred stuff - only fresh cloves will give you that real punch of flavor.
• Tomato paste: Gives you deep tomato taste without adding extra liquid or carbs like regular sauce would.
• Olives: They bring a salty kick that works against the tomato sweetness. I go for kalamatas, but any type works fine.
• Arugula: Adds a spicy bite and nice green color. Swap for baby spinach if you want something milder.
• Lemon juice: Always use fresh! It brightens everything and helps make the squid tender.
• Parmesan cheese: The final touch that pulls everything together. Grab a block and grate it yourself for best results.

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My Cooking Method

Fast Squid Prep

You'll get tender squid by cooking it quickly since leaving it too long makes it tough. I cook mine with the lid on and a tiny bit of water at first for perfect doneness. Using a clock really helps avoid rubbery squid.

Creating Tasty Layers

Once the squid's done, I pour in lemon juice and olive oil right into that same pan to catch all those seafood flavors already there. Then the tomato paste goes in for just about a minute to really deepen its taste.

Finishing Touches

I turn off the heat before tossing in arugula and olives so they stay vibrant and fresh. The leftover warmth wilts the greens just enough without turning them soggy.

Cheese Finishing

A good handful of Parmesan adds that last savory boost and partly melts into the sauce. Sometimes I use a fine grater for super thin cheese that dissolves instantly.

I came up with this meal during one of those nights when I was just looking through my freezer for dinner ideas. I had bought some squid on impulse, and was really surprised by how easy yet tasty the final dish turned out!

Ways To Serve

This tastes great by itself for a light meal, but I often put it over zucchini noodles when I want something more filling. A basic green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon makes a perfect side. Family members who aren't doing keto can enjoy it with regular pasta too.

Customization Ideas

Try adding some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. Mix in capers with the olives for extra tang. During summer, swap fresh cherry tomatoes for paste to make it lighter. Mix half shrimp with the squid for a combo of seafood flavors.

Keeping Leftovers

This stays good in your fridge for 2-3 days, though the squid definitely tastes best when fresh. For busy weeknights, you can fix the sauce ahead and then cook squid just before eating. I wouldn't put this in the freezer as it really changes how the squid feels when you bite into it.

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Smart Cooking Tips

• Make sure frozen squid is totally thawed and dried well before you start cooking
• A tiny splash of white wine with the lemon juice makes it taste amazing if you aren't strictly keto
• Want a creamier sauce? Drop in a spoon of butter at the end

This dish totally changed how I think about squid, which I used to only eat at restaurants. Turns out it's actually one of the simplest seafoods to make at home, and this easy cooking method shows off its tender texture while creating flavors that seem like they took forever to develop. Plus, it's a budget-friendly way to get more seafood into my meals!

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I tell if the squid is cooked?

Squid goes from see-through to solid white when cooked. It should feel firm but not rubbery, and it usually takes 3-4 minutes.

→ Is frozen squid okay to use?

Absolutely! Just let it fully defrost and dry it well before cooking to keep your dish from getting watery.

→ What sides go well with this to stay keto?

Pair it with cauliflower rice, sautéed zucchini, or a fresh green salad with an olive oil dressing.

→ Can I swap the squid for something else?

Sure thing! Shrimp or scallops are great substitutes. Be aware they might cook faster than squid, so keep an eye on the time.

→ How can I make this even lower carb?

Use less tomato paste or swap in some diced fresh tomatoes. You could also up the olive oil for more healthy fats.