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West AfricanAuthentic Cuisine

West African Squid Stir-Fry

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

West African Squid Stir-Fry

West African Squid Stir-Fry finds its origins in the heart of home kitchens, where squid rings dance amid sizzling oil and hand-crushed garlic. A dish not bound to festive occasions, it graces everyday family tables, embodying the improvisational spirit of West African cooking. Each ingredient is judged by experience, from the pinch of salt to the flick of chili, creating a vibrant yet unpretentious meal.

Expect a harmonious blend of tender squid and the sharpness of fresh lemon, mingling with the warmth of chili. The generous use of oil ensures a luscious mouthfeel, while the garlic lends an aromatic depth. This dish is best enjoyed with friends and family, where the table becomes a shared canvas of flavors and stories.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by thoroughly rinsing the 600 g of squid rings under cold running water to remove any surface residue. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure they sear properly in the pan later. Drying the squid is crucial to prevent steaming and to achieve a nice texture.
  2. Peel and finely mince the 4 cloves of garlic. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, indicating it's hot enough, add the minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its aroma and turns a light golden color.
  3. Add the squid rings to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Increase the heat to high to quickly sear the squid. Stir-fry the squid for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn just opaque and curl slightly at the edges. This indicates they are cooked through but still tender.
  4. Sprinkle chili to taste over the squid, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the stir-fry, tossing to combine and coat the squid evenly with the citrusy flavor.
  5. Taste the dish and add fine sea salt to your preference, ensuring the flavors are balanced and vibrant. Serve the West African Squid Stir-Fry immediately, while the squid is tender and the flavors are fresh, inviting everyone to the table to share and enjoy.
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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