Spicy Soy Sauce Squid Recipe

Spicy Soy Sauce Squid is a flavorful and spicy seafood dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors. The combination of tender squid, spicy sauce, and umami-rich soy sauce makes for a delicious appetizer or main dish. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Spicy Soy Sauce Squid.

Spicy Soy Sauce Squid Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) squid, cleaned and cut into rings or bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped or grated

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if you prefer)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, to balance the heat)

• 1-2 tablespoons chili paste (or gochujang for a Korean twist) or fresh chopped chili (adjust to your spice preference)

• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/4 cup water (or more as needed)

• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

• Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squid:

   • Clean the squid by removing the skin, head, and ink sac (if not already cleaned). Cut the body into rings or small bite-sized pieces. Pat the squid dry with paper towels to ensure it sears properly.

2. Cook the Squid:

   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

   • Add the squid to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The squid will turn opaque and curl up. Be careful not to overcook the squid as it can become tough. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions begin to soften.

4. Add the Spices and Sauces:

   • Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), chili paste, and chili flakes to the pan. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.

5. Combine Squid and Sauce:

   • Return the cooked squid to the pan and stir gently to coat the squid in the spicy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the squid absorbs the sauce and heats through.

6. Finish with Sesame Oil:

   • Drizzle in the sesame oil and stir again to add a nutty flavor to the dish.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro (if using).

   • Serve immediately with steamed rice or as a side dish with other Asian-inspired dishes.

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Why This Dish is Amazing:

• Spicy & Flavorful: The spicy sauce combined with the umami of soy and oyster sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.

• Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

• Tender Squid: When cooked correctly, squid is tender and absorbs the spicy, savory sauce beautifully.

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Tips and Variations:

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it less spicy, reduce the amount of chili paste or omit the chili flakes. You can also use milder chili sauces like Sriracha for a different heat level.

• Add Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to the stir-fry for a bit of crunch and extra nutrition.

• Serve with Rice: This dish is perfect with a side of steamed jasmine rice, or you can serve it over noodles for a complete meal.

• Make it Sweet: If you like your dishes sweeter, you can increase the amount of honey or sugar in the sauce.

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This Spicy Soy Sauce Squid is perfect if you’re craving a flavorful seafood dish with a kick. It’s quick to make, and the spicy-sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the tender squid. If you’re looking for more seafood dishes or want to experiment with different sauces, feel free to ask! Enjoy!