This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sizzling Squid recipe is bold, fast, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. You get tender squid paired with smoky chorizo, sweet tomatoes, fresh mint, and lemon—it’s a fiery little dish that comes together in just 16 minutes. I made this on a warm evening with a cold glass of white wine, and it was absolute bliss. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)
Ingredients Needed
- 2 large super-ripe tomatoes (300g), finely grated
- 300g whole squid, cleaned and gutted
- 70g chorizo or spicy sausage, sliced or crumbled
- ½ bunch of fresh mint (15g), leaves picked
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sizzling Squid
- Grate the Tomatoes: Use a box grater to finely grate the ripe tomatoes, discarding the skin. This will create a vibrant, juicy base for your sauce.
- Prep the Squid: Lay the squid open like a book and score the inside in a gentle criss-cross pattern. This helps the squid curl up and cook evenly. Season both the squid and tentacles with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Squid: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat for 3 minutes. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then lay the squid scored-side down. Press with a spatula for about a minute to get a good sear. Add the tentacles and the chorizo, then toss in half of the mint. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often so everything gets a bit crispy.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Remove the squid and set aside. Add the grated tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon to the pan and let it bubble away for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and saucy.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cooked squid into thin strips (about ½ cm thick) and return it to the pan over the sauce. Top with the rest of the mint and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Why I Love This Recipe
This dish hits all the notes—sweet, smoky, tangy, and fresh. The combo of squid and chorizo is surprisingly addictive. It’s fast, feels fancy, and doesn’t use a ton of ingredients. My kitchen smelled like a seaside café in Spain, and that alone made it worth it.
Recipe Tips
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find. They create a rich, naturally sweet sauce.
- Score the squid lightly. It helps with tenderness and presentation.
- Cook squid on high heat. Quick cooking keeps it tender, not rubbery.
- Don’t overdo the garlic. Even though this version doesn’t call for it, a sliver added last-minute would be tasty—just don’t burn it.
- Serve immediately. This dish is best hot off the pan, garnished and ready.
How To Store & Reheat Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sizzling Squid
- In the Fridge: Cool the squid and sauce, then transfer to an airtight container. Store for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes. Avoid microwaving or long reheats—squid can turn chewy fast.
- Freezing: Not recommended. The squid will lose its delicate texture after thawing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What type of squid should I use?
Whole squid, cleaned and gutted, works best. You can also use pre-cleaned tubes if you’re short on time. - Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key to the flavor here. Canned would make it more stewy and less fresh-tasting. - Is this spicy?
That depends on your chorizo. Use a spicy version for heat, or go milder if you prefer. - Can I cook this on a grill?
Totally! Sear the squid and chorizo on a hot grill, then finish the sauce in a pan. - What can I serve this with?
Crusty bread, a green salad, or grilled veggies make great sides.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 344
- Fat: 20.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.8g
- Protein: 32.6g
- Carbohydrates: 7.8g
- Sugars: 5.1g
- Fibre: 1.9g
- Salt: 1.7g
Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:
- 5 Ingredients Pancetta Prawn Skewers
- 5 Ingredients Mussel Risotto
- 5 Ingredients Crispy Prawn Parcels
- 5 Ingredients Mussel Tagliatelle
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sizzling Squid
Course: MainCuisine: Mediterranean4
servings5
minutes15
minutes344
kcalIngredients
2 large ripe tomatoes (300g), grated
300g whole squid, cleaned and scored
70g chorizo or spicy sausage, sliced
½ bunch fresh mint (15g), leaves picked
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Grate tomatoes and discard the skins. Score the squid and season.
- Heat oil in a hot pan. Sear squid (scored side down) for 1 minute. Add tentacles, chorizo, and half the mint. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Remove squid. Add grated tomato and lemon juice to pan. Cook 2 minutes.
- Slice squid into strips and return to pan. Garnish with mint and serve with lemon.