🇪🇬 Egypt · Food
Sobia (Sautéed Calamari)
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇪🇬 EGA 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.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow 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
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.
