Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

Middle EasternAuthentic Cuisine

Middle Eastern Squid Stir-Fry

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Middle Eastern Squid Stir-Fry

Middle Eastern Squid Stir-Fry reflects the everyday cooking of home tables where simplicity meets bold flavors. This dish is a staple in coastal regions where seafood is abundant, often enjoyed on casual family evenings or weekend gatherings. The squid is treated with care, its freshness brought to life by the skillful use of hand-judged salt and a generous splash of lemon, typical of Middle Eastern culinary instincts.

The stir-fry delivers a delightful combination of tender squid rings enhanced by the aromatic warmth of garlic and a hint of chili heat. The lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the rich flavors with its citrusy tang. This straightforward yet vibrant dish is made for sharing, embodying the communal spirit of Middle Eastern dining without the need for elaborate accompaniments.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by ensuring your 600 g squid rings are thoroughly cleaned and patted dry. This will help them cook evenly and prevent excess moisture from diluting the flavors of the dish.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced, and a pinch of chili to taste. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to turn golden, but be cautious not to let it burn, as this will impart a bitter taste.
  3. Add the squid rings to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Stir occasionally, cooking them only until they turn opaque and firm up slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes; overcooking will make the squid tough and chewy.
  4. Once the squid is just cooked through, remove the skillet from heat and immediately squeeze the juice of one lemon over the top. This will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the oil.
  5. Taste the dish and add fine sea salt to your preference, remembering that Middle Eastern cooking often involves seasoning by hand to achieve the perfect balance. Serve the squid stir-fry immediately, allowing the fresh, vibrant flavors to shine at the center of your table.
Cover of Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Middle Eastern cuisine