Cumi Bakar Kecap
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Low Effort · High Impact

Date Night · Indonesian

Cumi Bakar Kecap

I finish this squid on the grill, glazing it with a reduction of soy sauce and spices for a caramelized crust.

15 min active
25 min total
2 servings
7 ingredients
home cook

Why This Works

Scoring the squid allows the thick soy glaze to penetrate deep into the fibers while cooking quickly.

The Upgrade

Add a dash of toasted sesame oil to the finished dish.

Chef's Secret

Michelin Technique

Never overcook the squid; it only needs a high-heat sear, or it will turn rubbery.

Ingredients

Servings:

Total time including resting: 25 min

Directions

1

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, chili, and ginger to make the glaze.

2

Score the squid bodies diagonally with a knife to help them curl and absorb the sauce.

5 min
3

Toss the squid in a small amount of oil.

4

Preheat a grill pan to high heat (425°F).

5 min
5

Sear the squid for 2 minutes per side until charred but still tender.

4 min
6

Brush the glaze generously over the squid during the last minute of grilling.

1 min
7

Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Wine Pairing

🍷

Grenache

Red Wine

The BottleChâteau de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône

The red fruit and white pepper notes of a Grenache-led blend are excellent for caramelized soy glaze. It provides enough fruit to balance the salty, savory crust of the grilled squid.

Nutrition per Serving

220

calories

35g

protein

15g

carbs

4g

fat

Make It a Complete Meal

Sides the kitchen recommends alongside this dish.

Side Dish

Steamed Morning Glory

Briefly sauté water spinach with garlic to add a fresh, vibrant green vegetable to the smoky, caramelized squid.

10 min
2 servings

Ingredients

Directions

1

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.

2

Add garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden.

3

Add morning glory and toss vigorously to coat.

4

Pour in oyster sauce and season with salt.

5

Sauté for 60 seconds until stems are vibrant and tender-crisp.

6

Transfer immediately to a warm platter.

Side Dish

Garlic Fragrant Rice

Steamed rice cooked with a drop of coconut oil provides a neutral, aromatic base for the sticky soy glaze.

20 min
2 servings

Ingredients

Directions

1

Combine rice, water, coconut oil, garlic, and salt in a heavy-bottomed pot.

2

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3

Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes.

4

Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

5

Discard smashed garlic cloves.

6

Fluff gently with a fork before serving.

Member Reviews

How did it turn out?

4.0(1 review)

Rate this recipe

Diego Morales
Aug 30, 2026

Delicious! Doubling it next time because leftovers went fast.