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Pakistani Squid Stir-Fry

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Pakistani Squid Stir-Fry

Embracing the diverse flavors found from Karachi to Islamabad, this Pakistani Squid Stir-Fry brings the bounty of the sea to your plate with a simplicity that speaks to the heart of home cooking. Often enjoyed as part of a casual family meal, this dish captures the essence of coastal cuisine, where fresh ingredients meet the subtle flair of local spices, transforming humble squid into a savory delight.

Expect a delightful balance of heat and zest, where tender squid rings are infused with the aroma of garlic and the kick of chili. The generous use of oil ensures a luscious mouthfeel, while a final squeeze of lemon brightens each bite, leaving a lingering tang that invites another forkful. Perfect for sharing, this dish is best enjoyed amongst the lively chatter of a shared table.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by ensuring the 600 g squid rings are thoroughly cleaned. Rinse them under cold water to remove any debris and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial to prevent excess moisture from diluting the flavors during cooking.
  2. Peel and finely mince 4 cloves of garlic. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and releases its aroma, which should take about 30 seconds to a minute.
  3. Add the squid rings to the skillet, spreading them out in an even layer. Stir gently to coat them with the garlic-infused oil. Cook the squid until it just turns opaque and firm to the touch, which indicates it's perfectly cooked. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes; overcooking will make the squid rubbery.
  4. Add chili to taste, adjusting the heat level to your preference. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the squid, stirring to combine the flavors. The acidity of the lemon will balance the richness of the oil and enhance the natural sweetness of the squid.
  5. Taste the dish and add fine sea salt to your liking, ensuring the flavors are balanced. Serve the squid stir-fry immediately, while it's hot, to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor. This dish is best shared at the table, embodying the communal spirit of Pakistani dining.
Cover of Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Pakistani Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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