Squid in Garlic Sauce

Materials

For the Squid
Fresh squid (cleaned and cut into rings)
Salt
Black pepper

For the Garlic Sauce
Garlic cloves
Olive oil
Dried chili flakes (optional)
White wine (or dry sherry)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Equipment
Large skillet or wok
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Small bowl

Production Steps

Preparing the Squid

1. Clean the squid:If you purchased whole squid, clean it thoroughly by removing the internal organs, ink sac, and cartilage. Rinse under cold water.
2. Cut into rings:Cut the cleaned squid into uniform rings, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Season:Lightly season the squid rings with salt and black pepper.

Making the Garlic Sauce

1. Sauté garlic:In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
2. Add chili flakes:If using, add dried chili flakes to the garlic and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze:Pour in white wine or dry sherry to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce by half.
4. Create the sauce:Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Squid

1. Cook the squid:Add the seasoned squid rings to the garlic sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the squid is tender and opaque.
2. Finish:Remove the pan from heat and let the squid sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serving
Serve the Squid in Garlic Sauce hot, garnished with additional parsley and a squeeze of lemon. It pairs well with crusty bread or pasta.

Tips
For a richer flavor, use butter instead of olive oil.
Add other herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for additional complexity.
For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
Serve with grilled or steamed vegetables as a side dish.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and flavorful Squid in Garlic Sauce. Experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to find your perfect recipe.