Tacos de Calamar a la Plancha con Salsa Macha (Griddled Squid Tacos)
Tender squid seared in seconds on a very hot pan, with creamy avocado salsa and a spoonful of nutty, smoky salsa macha.
Made with Salsa macha and Creamy avocado salsa and Corn tortillas from masa harina. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £2.08 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
Cut the squid tubes open and score the inside in a criss cross pattern with a sharp knife, then cut into strips about 3 cm wide. Keep the tentacles whole. Pat very dry with kitchen paper.
- 2
Toss the squid with the garlic, half the oil and a pinch of salt.
- 3
Heat a large frying pan or griddle over the highest heat for 4 minutes, until smoking. Add a little of the remaining oil.
- 4
Cook the squid in 2 or 3 batches for 1 to 2 minutes a batch, without stirring much, until opaque and lightly charred. Do not cook for longer or it turns rubbery.
2 min - 5
Squeeze over the lime juice and toss.
- 6
Warm your ready made corn tortillas (see the base recipe) in a dry pan for 20 to 30 seconds a side.
- 7
Spread each tortilla with the creamy avocado salsa (see the base recipe). Top with squid and cabbage, then spoon over a little salsa macha (see the base recipe) and sprinkle with coriander.
Tips
- Squid cooks in one to two minutes at high heat or for 30 minutes at a low simmer. Anything in between is rubbery.
- Dry the squid really well, or it will steam and release water into the pan.
- Cook in batches so the pan stays hot.
- Salsa macha is oily and rich, so add it a spoonful at a time.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 day. Cool within 1 to 2 hours and eat cold, or reheat very briefly until steaming hot all the way through. Do not freeze.
Questions
Why is my squid rubbery?
It was cooked too long. Squid needs either 1 to 2 minutes in a very hot pan, or slow cooking for 30 minutes or more. Anything in between toughens it.
Does salsa macha contain nuts?
Traditional salsa macha often does, but the base recipe here uses pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, so it is nut free. It does contain sesame.
Are these tacos gluten free and dairy free?
Yes. Squid, avocado salsa, salsa macha and masa harina tortillas contain no gluten, dairy, egg or nuts. Squid is a mollusc allergen and salsa macha contains sesame.
More made with salsa macha
Huevos Estrellados con Salsa Macha (Fried Eggs with Chilli Crunch)
GFDFNFPollo Asado con Papas y Salsa Macha (Roast Chicken and Potatoes with Chilli Crunch)
GFDFEFQuesadillas de Quesillo con Salsa Macha (Oaxaca Cheese Quesadillas)
GFEFNFCaldo de Frijol con Salsa Macha y Queso Fresco (Brothy Beans with Chilli Crunch)
GFEFNFDouble 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.