A Vibrant Chili Squid Dish

Hey cooking enthusiasts! This stir-fried fresh squid dish is a quick and delicious option for your next meal. Start by cleaning and blanching squid before stir-frying with ginger, garlic, and colorful chilies. Add flavor with doubanjiang, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, then toss in some onions and garlic chives. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s ready in no time! Perfect for those who crave seafood with a kick. Happy cooking!

Ingredients:

• Fresh squid, cleaned and cut into pieces

• Ginger, minced

• Garlic, minced

• Green and red chili, sliced

• 1 tablespoon doubanjiang (broad bean paste)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• A pinch of sugar and pepper

• Onion, sliced

• Garlic chives, chopped

• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Clean and Cut: Rinse the fresh squid and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Blanch: Boil water, add squid, and blanch for 1 minute. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In a hot pan with cold oil, cook ginger, garlic, and chilies until fragrant.

4. Add Squid: Toss in the squid and stir-fry on high heat for 1 minute.

5. Add Seasoning: Mix in doubanjiang and cook until the squid is nicely colored.

6. Flavor It Up: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and pepper.

7. Add Veggies: Mix in onion and garlic chives.

8. Final Stir: Stir everything well and serve hot!

Hey there, cooking enthusiasts! Before you dive into making that delicious stir-fried fresh squid, check out these helpful tips to ensure a perfect dish every time!

1. Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest squid available for the best texture and flavor. Look for clear eyes and firm bodies.

2. Don’t Overcook: Squid cooks quickly! Overcooking can make it tough. Stick to high heat and short cooking times.

3. Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

4. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili to suit your taste. You can make it mild or spicy!

5. Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and flavor.

FAQs:

Q1: How can I tell if the squid is fresh? 

A1: Great question! Fresh squid should have a mild ocean smell, and the flesh should be firm, shiny, and translucent. Avoid any that have a strong fishy odor or appear discolored.

Q2: Can I substitute the doubanjiang with something else? 

A2: Absolutely! If you can’t find doubanjiang, you can use chili paste or sriracha for some heat. Just adjust the amount according to your taste preference!

Q3: What can I serve with this squid dish? 

A3: This stir-fried squid pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles! You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or some stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.