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West African Squid Stir-Fry 2

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

West African Squid Stir-Fry 2

West African Squid Stir-Fry 2 is a delightful home-cooked dish that finds its roots in the everyday kitchens of West Africa. This recipe captures the essence of familial tables, where ingredients are measured by intuition rather than precision. Salt is judged by hand, and oil is used with a generous heart, reflecting the warmth and hospitality that accompanies every meal shared among loved ones.

The stir-fry is a vibrant symphony of tender squid rings, kissed by the heat of chili and the aromatic embrace of garlic. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness, while fine sea salt ties everything together, enhancing each flavor without overpowering. Enjoy this dish as a communal feast, where each bite is a reminder of the simple joys of home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by ensuring the 600 g squid rings are thoroughly cleaned. Rinse them under cold running water, removing any excess debris or cartilage. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove any moisture, which helps in achieving a good sear during cooking.
  2. Peel and finely chop 4 cloves of garlic. In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped garlic and a pinch of chili to taste. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Add the dried squid rings to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook them over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. The squid is done when it turns just opaque and becomes tender, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the squid rubbery.
  4. Once the squid is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the squid, tossing gently to combine and enhance the flavors. Taste and adjust with fine sea salt as needed, ensuring the seasoning is balanced to your preference.
  5. Transfer the squid stir-fry to a serving dish immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, embodying the communal spirit of West African dining. Serve it as part of a shared meal, allowing everyone to savor the vibrant flavors together.
Cover of Authentic West African Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic West African Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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