Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

VietnameseAuthentic Cuisine

Vietnamese Squid Stir-Fry

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Vietnamese Squid Stir-Fry

Vietnamese Squid Stir-Fry is a comforting dish often found at family meals, offering a taste of the sea that resonates with coastal regions. It's a staple on Vietnamese home tables, where cooks rely on instinct rather than strict measurements. This version reflects those home roots, capturing the essence of everyday cooking where salt is judged by hand and the richness of oil is embraced, setting the scene for a communal feast.

The dish should sing with the natural sweetness of tender squid, enhanced by the warmth of garlic and a hint of chili heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a bright finish, balancing the richness. Served simply, it invites diners to gather around and savor each bite, sharing stories as much as food.

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 and patted dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing the squid from becoming rubbery during cooking.
  2. Mince 4 cloves of garlic finely. In a large wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and stir-fry until it turns golden and releases its aroma, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Add the squid rings to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer. Stir-fry them quickly, ensuring each piece comes into contact with the hot surface. Cook the squid only until it turns just opaque and curls slightly, which should happen quickly and indicates tenderness.
  4. Season the squid with chili to taste, adjusting the heat level to your preference. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the squid, stirring to combine and coat the rings evenly with the citrus.
  5. Taste the dish and add fine sea salt to your liking, remembering that Vietnamese home cooking often relies on personal taste rather than precise measurements. Serve the squid stir-fry immediately while it's hot, allowing the fresh flavors to shine at the table.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Vietnamese cuisine