This Spicy Garlic Buttered Squid is a delightful fusion of tender squid rings and a rich, flavorful sauce. The combination of garlic, butter, and a hint of spice creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Perfect for seafood enthusiasts, this recipe brings the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine to your table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to impress.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1½ kilos squid, sliced into rings
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2 medium onions, chopped
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1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
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50 grams butter or margarine
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1 head garlic, chopped
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1½ tablespoons soy sauce
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½ cup banana ketchup
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¼ cup hot sauce or Tabasco sauce (or 1 tablespoon chili flakes)
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5 tablespoons brown sugar
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4 tablespoons honey
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1½ tablespoons garlic powder
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3 pieces calamansi (extract the juice)
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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½ cup squid broth from the boiled squid
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Water for boiling
Directions:
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Clean the squid by removing the beak, ink sac, squid backbone, and innards. Wash under running water and drain. Slice the body into rings.
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In a pan or pot, add 5 cups of water and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Add the squid and blanch for 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and rinse under running water. Place on a colander and set aside.
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In an empty pan, heat cooking oil and sauté onion and ginger over high heat for 10 seconds.
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Add the squid, season with salt and pepper, and stir for half a minute. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In a bowl, combine soy sauce, ketchup, hot sauce or chili flakes, sugar, garlic powder, and honey. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
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In the same pan, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté until slightly brown.
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Add the sweet spicy sauce, calamansi juice, and squid broth. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Turn off the heat.
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Add the squid and toss until well coated with the sauce. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 12 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 264 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Spicy Garlic Buttered Squid
Spicy Garlic Buttered Squid, also known as “maanghang na pusit” in Filipino, is one of the most beloved seafood dishes in the Philippines. It’s a simple yet deeply flavorful recipe that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. This dish brings together the tender chewiness of squid with the rich, indulgent flavor of garlic-infused butter, elevated by a hint of sweetness and a bold kick of spice. It’s a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors—a true testament to the Filipino palate, which celebrates complex and layered tastes.
Filipino cuisine is known for its bold combinations and comforting dishes. Spicy Garlic Buttered Squid stands as a great example of this culinary tradition. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main course with rice, or as a pulutan (finger food) for social gatherings, paired with ice-cold beverages. With ingredients that are accessible and a cooking process that doesn’t require much time, it’s no wonder why this dish remains a favorite in Filipino households.
Cultural Significance and Popularity in Filipino Cuisine
In the Philippines, squid or “pusit” is a staple in many coastal areas. Fishing communities often bring in fresh squid daily, which makes dishes like this both accessible and practical. Over the years, garlic buttered squid has evolved from being a simple sautéed dish to something more dynamic, with the inclusion of sweet banana ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauce, and calamansi juice—all staples of the Filipino pantry.
The use of banana ketchup in the sauce is particularly interesting and culturally unique. Unlike tomato ketchup, banana ketchup has a sweeter profile and a slight tang, which perfectly complements the natural brininess of the squid. This Filipino innovation turns a basic garlic butter sauce into something more vibrant and representative of local flavor profiles.
The popularity of this dish has also grown beyond homes and is now a regular offering in many restaurants, seafood grills, and “ihaw-ihaw” street food stalls. Diners enjoy it as a standalone entrée or as part of a shared meal. It appeals to all ages, though spice levels are often adjusted to suit different tolerances. From family dinners to festive celebrations, this dish continues to be a crowd-pleaser across generations.
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture
What makes Spicy Garlic Buttered Squid particularly delightful is the harmony of flavors and the contrast in textures. The squid itself, when cooked properly, is tender with a slight chew—never rubbery. The buttery sauce brings a rich, creamy mouthfeel, while the garlic adds depth and aromatic punch. The spiciness from chili sauce or flakes cuts through the richness, offering a lingering heat that doesn’t overpower but rather enhances the experience.
Adding a splash of calamansi juice introduces a tangy brightness that lifts the dish, preventing it from becoming too heavy. Calamansi, a native citrus fruit in the Philippines, is prized for its sharp acidity and unique floral notes. When combined with the sweetness of honey or brown sugar in the sauce, it creates a symphony of flavors that truly excite the palate.
This perfect balance is also mirrored in how the dish is traditionally served—often alongside plain steamed rice. The rice serves as the perfect backdrop to absorb the rich sauce, making every bite fulfilling and flavorful. Some even serve this with garlic fried rice for an even more indulgent pairing.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Squid
While the recipe itself is relatively simple, achieving the perfect texture in squid can be tricky if not handled correctly. The golden rule for cooking squid is to either cook it very quickly over high heat or very slowly over low heat. Anything in between usually results in a rubbery texture, which is something every cook wants to avoid.
In this recipe, the squid is briefly blanched before being sautéed in the garlic butter sauce. This helps maintain its tender texture while ensuring it’s fully cooked. Overcooking is one of the most common mistakes with squid, but with careful timing, you can consistently achieve that ideal, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Another key tip is to clean the squid thoroughly. Removing the ink sac, cartilage, and beak is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for taste and texture. Using fresh squid will always yield the best results, but frozen squid can also be used if properly thawed and cleaned.
Variations and Creative Twists
Though the classic version of Spicy Garlic Buttered Squid is already a complete and delicious dish, there’s always room for creativity. Some cooks like to add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spring onions for additional texture and flavor. Others include a touch of coconut milk to make the sauce creamier and slightly sweet, creating a whole new flavor profile.
For a more fusion approach, try using gochujang (Korean chili paste) in place of hot sauce. This adds depth and umami, giving the dish a unique Korean-Filipino twist. You can also top the dish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for added fragrance and crunch.
If you prefer a smoky flavor, try grilling the squid first before tossing it in the butter garlic sauce. This method infuses the squid with a charred aroma that pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce. It’s a great way to impress guests or elevate the dish for special occasions.
Health Benefits of Squid and Balanced Eating
Squid is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a low-calorie protein source rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Compared to red meats, squid offers a leaner alternative for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
However, because this dish includes butter, sugar, and sodium-rich sauces, moderation is key. Serving it with vegetables or pairing it with a light soup or salad can help balance the meal. It’s all about enjoying the dish mindfully and within the context of a varied diet.
For those who are health-conscious, it’s easy to tweak the recipe. Use less butter or swap it out with olive oil, reduce the amount of sugar, and opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Even with these adjustments, the dish can still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish shines when paired with freshly steamed white rice, which absorbs the rich, savory sauce and makes every bite more indulgent. For a more elevated presentation, serve it in a sizzling plate to keep the squid warm and enhance the aromatic garlic scent.
If you’re entertaining guests, consider offering side dishes like pickled green mangoes or cucumber salad to cut through the richness. A glass of cold beer or citrusy soda is also a popular pairing, especially when served as a bar food or pulutan.
For a complete Filipino meal, pair this dish with classic companions like Sinigang na Hipon (sour shrimp soup), grilled eggplant, or even lumpiang shanghai (Filipino spring rolls). These contrasting textures and flavors provide a well-rounded dining experience that’s comforting and celebratory.
Conclusion
Spicy Garlic Buttered Squid is more than just a seafood dish—it’s a celebration of Filipino culinary artistry. It brings together humble, readily available ingredients and transforms them into something bold, rich, and deeply satisfying. With its vibrant balance of spice, sweetness, and savoriness, it captures everything we love about Filipino comfort food.
Whether you’re serving it for a weekday family meal or a weekend get-together with friends, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a recipe that respects tradition but welcomes creativity, making it endlessly adaptable to your tastes and preferences.
Incorporating this dish into your recipe repertoire not only introduces your palate to exciting new flavors but also connects you to a piece of Filipino food culture—rich in heritage, warmth, and the joy of sharing. So go ahead, heat up that pan, and let the aromas of garlic, butter, and spice fill your kitchen with delicious anticipation.