Charred Padrón Chiles and Squid Salad

A vibrant seafood salad featuring charred Padrón chiles and tender squid, tossed with fresh herbs and a spicy lime-fish sauce vinaigrette. This dish perfectly balances heat, acidity, and freshness.

4 servings
19 min

Ingredients

  • ½ whole serrano chile
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • to taste Kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 cups Padrón chiles
  • 1⅓ tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ pound squid
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo-style pepper
  • 1 cup cilantro
  • 1 cup basil leaves
  • basil preparation note

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Whisk serrano chile, olive oil, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar in a small bowl to combine; season vinaigrette with salt and pepper. Very thinly slice 2 Padrón chiles into rings and add to vinaigrette. Let sit 10 minutes.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Pat squid dry with a paper towel; sprinkle with Aleppo-style pepper and season with salt and pepper. Cook, undisturbed, until bottom side is golden brown, about 1 minute. Toss squid and continue to cook, tossing often, until cooked through, about 1 minute longer. Transfer to a medium bowl and wipe out skillet.

    2 min

  3. 3.

    Heat remaining 1 tsp. vegetable oil in skillet and cook remaining Padrón chiles, tossing occasionally, until blistered and browned in spots and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Transfer chiles to bowl with squid; add vinaigrette with sliced chiles, cilantro, and basil and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

    2 min