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Egypt · Food

Sobia (Sautéed Calamari)

50 min
220 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Sobia (Sautéed Calamari)🇪🇬

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

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Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Sobia (Sautéed Calamari). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stir-fry94 recipes from 24 countries

A punchy Alexandrian seafood delight, this dish relies on a heavy garlic and cumin marinade to tenderize and flavor the calamari. It is a popular street food often served in a crispy bread roll.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Sobia from another cuisine is Azifa (Ethiopia): the two share 50% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Clean 500g calamari and slice into thin rings, ensuring they are dry.

  • 2

    Crush 6 cloves of garlic with 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp cumin, and 1 tsp coriander powder in a mortar.

  • 3

    Mix the garlic paste with 60ml lemon juice and thinly sliced green chili peppers.

  • 4

    Marinate the calamari in this mixture for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

  • 5

    Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat until it begins to shimmer.

  • 6

    Add the calamari with the marinade to the skillet and sauté quickly.

  • 7

    Cook for exactly 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the rings are opaque and tender.

  • 8

    Remove from heat immediately to prevent the calamari from becoming rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sobia?

Sobia is an Egyptian seafood dish consisting of calamari sautéed with garlic, green chili, and spices. It is typically consumed as a main course.

Why did my calamari turn rubbery?

You cooked it for too long; calamari requires high heat and a very short cooking time.

Can I use frozen squid?

Yes, but ensure it is completely thawed and very well dried before marinating.

What is the traditional accompaniment?

Usually served with tahini salad and warm Egyptian baladi bread.

Is it very spicy?

The spice depends on your chili; remove the seeds if you prefer a milder version.

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