| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 20g | 3g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 1g | 25g | 1.8g |
Why I Love Vietnamese Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic Chives
One of my favorite dishes I’ve journeyed into creating is the Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic Chives. It’s a lively indulgence into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, brimming with bold flavors that seamlessly blend sea and soil. What makes this dish stand out in my culinary explorations is the aromatic harmony of minced garlic and red chili peppers, fused with the succulent tenderness of squid and punctuated by the fresh, pungent accents of garlic chives. These vibrant flavors, reminiscent of a bustling Asian street food market, are a delightful contrast from the familiar Tex-Mex spices I grew up with.
Inspiring Flavors from an Iconic Chef
This Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic Chives creation of mine takes inspiration from the profound culinary expertise of renowned chef Anthony Bourdain. He was known for his keen palette and his global culinary escapades. I admired his appreciation of diverse cultures and flavors, showing how food, no matter how humble, tells a story about its people and cultural origins.
The Meteoric Rise of Vietnamese Cuisine
In recent years, Vietnamese cuisine has garnered immense global popularity, dominating food scenes across major cities. What fascinates me about this cuisine is its sublime simplicity yet full-bodied flavor, a testament to the careful balance of every ingredient used.
It is in dishes like Pho and Bánh mì where one begins to appreciate the complexity of Vietnamese cuisine – temperate to spicy, savory to sweet, all carefully orchestrated to enhance each other, not outshine. The Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic Chives is no exception. Its ingredients’ medley creates a sensory delight that pairs incredibly well with a side of jasmine rice or even a bowl of noodles.
Diving into various cuisines and blending them with my Texas-inspired cooking has always driven my culinary creativity. Sharing them with you is my absolute joy. Savor the Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic Chives and let it transport you to bustling Vietnamese street markets, if only for a meal. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- 2 cups of garlic chives, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chili peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of water
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Clean the squid thoroughly, making sure to remove the innards and cut it into rings. Chop your garlic chives into 1-inch pieces, mince the garlic cloves and slice the red chili peppers.
Step Two
In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set this sauce mix aside for later use.
Step Three
Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium to high heat and add your vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil with their flavours.
Step Four
Add the squid to the pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the squid becomes opaque. Be careful not to overcook the squid as it can become tough and chewy.
Step Five
Pour the sauce mix into the pan, stirring well to ensure all the squid pieces are coated. Cook for another minute.
Step Six
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Pour this mixture into the pan and stir well. The sauce will start to thicken. Add the garlic chives and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the chives are just wilted.
Step Seven
Remove the pan from the heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Serve your Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic Chives hot, preferably with a side of steamed rice. Enjoy!
