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ChineseAuthentic Cuisine

Chinese Squid Stir-Fry

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Chinese Squid Stir-Fry

Chinese Squid Stir-Fry finds its place in the heart of home kitchens, where the simplicity of ingredients meets the warmth of family gatherings. It's a dish that reflects the everyday art of Chinese cooking, where the cook uses instinct rather than precision, judging salt by hand and letting the flavors tell their own story. This version captures the essence of home-cooked meals, where a generous hand with oil and a table set for sharing are the unwritten rules.

Expect a burst of flavors as tender squid rings meet the sharpness of garlic and the subtle heat of chili. A squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing brightness, balancing the dish with a hint of acidity. The squid should be tender, with a slight chew, enveloped in the rich aroma of garlic and the warmth of chili, creating a dish that is both vibrant and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 600 gsquid rings
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • 2 tbspoil
  • to tastechili
  • lemonjuiced
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by thoroughly rinsing the 600 g squid rings under cold running water to remove any impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure they sear properly in the pan later. Drying is crucial to prevent steaming and to achieve a nice texture.
  2. Peel and finely chop 4 cloves of garlic. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large wok or a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its aroma and turns a light golden color, indicating the oil is infused with flavor.
  3. Add the squid rings to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer. Stir-fry them quickly, tossing them frequently to ensure even cooking. Cook until the squid turns just opaque and curls slightly, which should happen within a couple of minutes. This indicates the squid is tender and not overcooked.
  4. Add chili to taste, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference. Stir in the juice of one lemon, tossing the squid to coat it evenly. The lemon juice will add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the squid.
  5. Taste the dish and add fine sea salt to your preference, keeping in mind that the salt should enhance the natural sweetness of the squid without overpowering it. Serve the squid stir-fry immediately, ensuring it retains its tender texture and vibrant flavors.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Chinese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Chinese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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