PROJECT: Ika Yaki

Aug 7, 2025 | Kitchen PROJECTS

PROJECT Ika Yaki

Gingery griddle-seared squid, IKA YAKI イカ焼き is a favorite summer festival food sold thoughout Japan at yatai food stalls.

Visit the Summer Festival Food: YATAI post for more information about summer festivals and the food sold at yatai stalls.

This Kitchen PROJECT is about making ika yaki in YOUR kitchen.

Making Ika Yaki

Searing squid over high heat then dousing it with gingery soy sauce sends inviting aromas wafting throughout the kitchen. Once you find your own local source for fresh squid, I am hoping this recipe will become a regular at your dinner table.

Download full instructions here.

Cleaning Squid

If you’ve never tried cleaning whole squid before, let me show you how. Download full instructions here.

With a bit of practice you’ll soon be able to clean and griddle-sear squid in no time.

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