Calamares a la Diabla (Devilled Squid)
Tender squid rings seared very quickly and tossed in a fiery red chilli sauce with garlic, lime and fresh coriander.
Made with Corn tortillas from masa harina and Salsa a la diabla. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.45 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Pat the squid completely dry on kitchen paper. This is the key to a good sear.
- 2
Warm your corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan for 20 seconds a side and wrap in a tea towel.
- 3
Heat your ready made salsa a la diabla (see the base recipe) in a small pan over a low heat until just bubbling.
- 4
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over the highest heat. Cook the squid in 2 batches for 1 to 2 minutes each, until opaque and lightly golden. Add the garlic for the last 30 seconds.
2 min - 5
Tip the squid into the hot sauce, add the lime juice and stir for 30 seconds. Do not simmer it any longer or it turns rubbery.
- 6
Serve at once with the coriander, sliced onion and warm tortillas.
Tips
- Squid is tender after 1 to 2 minutes or after 30 minutes or more. Anywhere in between is chewy.
- Cook in batches in a very hot pan so the squid fries rather than stews.
- Have the sauce hot and ready, squid cools quickly.
- Ask the fishmonger to clean the squid, or buy ready prepared tubes.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten straight away. Cool leftovers within 1 hour and keep in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheating makes squid tough, so eat cold in a salad instead.
Questions
Can I use frozen squid?
Yes. Defrost fully in the fridge, drain and pat very dry before cooking.
Why is my squid rubbery?
It was overcooked. Cook at high heat for 2 minutes or less, or braise for 30 to 40 minutes until tender.
Can I use octopus?
Octopus needs long simmering first, about 45 to 60 minutes, then a quick sear before saucing.
More made with corn tortillas from masa harina
Tacos de Champiñones al Ajillo con Salsa Macha (Garlic Mushroom Tacos)
DFEFNFFlautas de Tinga (Crispy Rolled Chicken Flautas)
GFEFNFTacos al Pastor (Marinated Pork and Pineapple Tacos)
GFDFEFCalabacitas con Puerco y Frijoles Refritos (Pork and Courgette Stew with Beans)
DFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.