Dear friends, welcome to Paulina Cocina ! Today we're going to make a super-easy and flavorful recipe that you'll remember to prepare for any special meal: baby squid with onions .
Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal, this dish is sure to win over palates. And beware, although it may seem like a sophisticated recipe, the truth is that making baby squid with onions in sauce is much simpler than you might imagine.
Now let's review how to make this delicacy at home, how to properly clean squid to avoid surprises, and how to cook them so they don't become tough and chewy.
We'll also cover the step-by-step instructions for this recipe for baby squid with onions and twelve side dishes to complement the flavors. Let's cook!
Content table
About Squid with Onions
Squid are small squid , in fact they look like a miniature version of the normal squid we are used to seeing.
What's the difference with traditional squid? The size, of course, but also the texture. Baby squid has softer, more tender meat , perfect for making tasty dishes in a snap .
Now, if we add the magic of caramelized onions (hence the name “encebollados”), we are talking about a classic recipe in many coastal regions of Spain and, although it has its variations depending on the area, the concept is always the same: fresh squid , sweet onions and a touch of white wine .
The history of baby squid with onions: Tradition and flavor
As we mentioned before, this dish is traditionally prepared in the coastal areas of Spain , especially in the north, where fish and seafood are the star of the local cuisine.
The combination of squid and onion is a perfect pairing, not only because their flavors complement each other so well, but also because it's a simple, quick, and accessible recipe, ideal for taking advantage of those fresh ingredients that arrive daily from the sea.
In some regions of northern Spain, these small mollusks are also used in other recipes, such as the classic baby squid in its own ink or baby squid in tomato sauce . The key to this recipe for baby squid with onions is its simplicity and ability to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
5 Key Features of the Squid with Onions Recipe
- Simplicity : It's a very easy recipe. Basically, it's made with squid, onion, oil, garlic, and white wine. Just a few ingredients that combine to create a spectacular result.
- Quick to prepare : This squid with onion recipe doesn't require much time in the kitchen. In less than an hour, you can have a delicious dish ready to enjoy.
- Versatility : Although the basic recipe is delicious, you can experiment with a few extra ingredients. A little paprika, peppers, a fresh herb like parsley or cilantro, or even a touch of chili for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- Aromatic : Caramelized onion together with garlic and white wine create an irresistible fragrance that permeates the kitchen.
- Ideal for sharing : This dish can be enjoyed as a tapa, a starter, or even as a main course accompanied by a good salad or boiled potatoes . And of course, always with bread to dip in the sauce.
Clean your squid like this for the squid with onions recipe
- Separate the head from the body : Gently pull the squid's head until it comes out of the body with the viscera and the rest of the entrails.
- Removing the pen : That transparent, plastic-like strip is the pen. Just slide it out with your fingers.
- Removing the skin: This is purely a cosmetic issue. It's not mandatory, but many people prefer skinless squid .
- Cut the tentacles : To use them in the recipe for baby squid with onions , cut the tentacles just above the eyes and discard the lower part.
- Wash well : Finally, rinse the squid's body and tentacles under cold water to remove any sand or dirt. Once clean, they're ready for the frying pan.
How to cook baby squid with onions so they don't become tough
One of the biggest fears when making baby squid with onions is that they'll turn out tough. Because, let's be honest, there's nothing worse than biting into a baby squid and finding it tastes like chewing gum.
- ⚠️ The most important thing is to cook the squid over high heat and for a short time . If you cook them too long, they will become tough. Ideally, they should be in the pan for only a couple of minutes per side .
Cooking time for squid with onions
This recipe takes a short time to cook. Approximately 3 minutes over high heat will be enough to cook the squid . However, the onion takes longer : about 20 minutes over low heat to caramelize properly.
Here's the trick : first, cook the onions until golden and tender , and then add the previously sautéed squid to blend with the rest of the ingredients. This ensures that the squid in onions is cooked to perfection.
6 Tips for Making Squid with Onions
- Choosing fresh squid : If you can get squid , that would be ideal, but you can also do it with frozen squid.
- Don't be afraid of garlic : Garlic gives an incredible touch to squid with onions , so it's best to use it generously.
- Wine quality matters : A good white wine translates to the flavor of the sauce , so it's key that it's a good quality one.
- Caramelize the onion well : Give the onion time to caramelize thoroughly. This will give it a soft texture and a sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the squid .
- Don't overdo it with the salt : Squid already has a natural salty touch, so it's best to use very little and then leave it to the diners' taste.
- Serve hot : This dish is best enjoyed freshly made . So, no more waiting!
The 12 best accompaniments for baby squid with onions
- A good bread : And not just any bread, either. We're talking about a bread with a thick crust and a fluffy crumb , like a baguette , a rustic bread for dipping bread in sauce, because that's part of the experience.
- Patatas bravas or baked potatoes: The spicy patatas bravas baked potatoes with a little rosemary or thyme are also wonderful.
- Fresh salad: Something simple but effective, like an arugula and granola salad or a pipirrana , can be the perfect accompaniment. They're light side dishes , ideal for when you don't want the main dish to be too heavy.
- White rice: White rice is an excellent accompaniment to squid with onions, because it absorbs all the juices from the dish without stealing the show.
- Roasted vegetables : Roasted vegetables or escalivada are excellent options to accompany squid. Vegetables add color, texture, and freshness to the dish, making for a more complete meal.
- Homemade Alioli: This classic Spanish accompaniment, with its creaminess and powerful garlic flavor , perfectly complements this dish. It's not about drenching the dish in aioli , but rather having it on the side as a dip or finishing touch.
- A good puree : Just like white rice, mashed potatoes or a good cauliflower puree are options that absorb the flavor of the squid in onion sauce and give the dish a creamy texture.
Here's the full recipe. Enjoy this dish, which needs no accompaniment other than a hearty slice of homemade bread to dip in the delicious sauce that forms when cooking the baby squid with onions . Let me know how it goes later.
Follow on Instagram ( here )
and on YouTube that I upload new recipes every week ( click here )
Recipe for Baby Squid with Onions
Yields: 4 portions
Preparation time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 500 g of fresh squid
- 2 large onions
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 50 ml of white wine
- 3-4 green onions, coarsely chopped (optional)
- 1-2 sliced red chilies (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley to decorate (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil
How to make baby squid with onions in sauce step by step
- Clean the squid well, making sure to remove the feather and rinse well.
- Julienne the onions, chop the garlic cloves, and finely slice the bell pepper (if using). Coarsely chop the green onions and slice the red chilies (optional).
- In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions, garlic, bell pepper, scallions, and chilies (if using). Cook slowly until the onion is golden brown and caramelized, and the pepper is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning (about 20-25 minutes).
- In another pan, heat a little oil over high heat and sauté the squid and its tentacles for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan where the squid were cooked, add the white wine and gently scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any cooking residue. Leave on the heat for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates completely.
- Add the squid to the pan with the onions, chives, and chilies, and add the cooking stock with the reduced wine. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring gently to allow the squid to absorb the flavors. Do not overcook to prevent them from becoming tough.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish and a touch of freshness. Serve hot with your chosen side dish.
