Chinese Style Squid Recipes: Delicious and Easy to Make

Chinese-style squid recipes are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish. Squid is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many ways, including stir-fries, deep-fried, or grilled. It is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and there are many different ways to prepare it.

When selecting squid, look for fresh squid that is firm to the touch and has a sweet, ocean-like smell. If you are buying frozen squid, make sure it has been defrosted properly before cooking. To prepare squid for cooking, remove the head, tentacles, and innards. Rinse the squid under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel. You can then cut the squid into rings or strips, depending on the recipe.

Chinese-style squid recipes typically include ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, scallions, and sesame oil. These ingredients are essential to create the unique flavour profile of Chinese cuisine. If you do not have these ingredients, you can substitute them with other ingredients that have similar flavours. For example, you can use fish sauce instead of soy sauce, or leeks instead of scallions.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese-style squid recipes are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish.
• When selecting squid, look for fresh squid that is firm to the touch and has a sweet, ocean-like smell.
• Chinese-style squid recipes typically include ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, scallions, and sesame oil.

Selecting and Preparing Your Squid

If you're planning to cook Chinese-style squid, selecting the right squid is essential. Squid can be bought either fresh or frozen, but fresh squid is generally preferred as it has a better texture and flavor. Fresh squid is usually available in seafood markets and some grocery stores.

Fresh vs Frozen Squid

Fresh squid should have clear eyes, a shiny skin, and a firm texture. If you're buying whole squid, the body should be intact, and the tentacles should be attached. If the squid has a fishy smell, it may not be fresh. Frozen squid is a good alternative if you can't find fresh squid or if it's not in season. Frozen squid is usually sold cleaned and scored, making it easier to prepare.

Cleaning and Scoring Techniques

Cleaning and scoring your squid is an important step in preparing it for cooking. If you're using whole squid, you'll need to clean it by removing the head, guts, and ink sac. To score the squid, make diagonal cuts on the body and tentacles. Scoring the squid helps it to cook evenly and allows it to absorb more flavor.

When cooking Chinese-style squid, you can also add other seafood to the recipe for added flavor and texture. Shrimp, scallops, and clams are all good options. If you decide to add other seafood to your recipe, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Overall, selecting and preparing your squid is an important step in creating a delicious Chinese-style squid dish. By following these tips, you'll be able to create a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutes

When it comes to cooking Chinese style squid, there are a few essential ingredients that you should have on hand to ensure that your dish turns out delicious. Here are some of the key ingredients and substitutes that you can use:

Aromatics and Seasonings

• Garlic: Garlic is a staple ingredient in many Chinese dishes, and it adds a pungent and flavourful kick to your squid recipe. If you don't have fresh garlic on hand, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic instead.

• Ginger: Ginger is another common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it adds a spicy and fragrant flavour to your squid dish. Fresh ginger is the best option, but you can also use ground ginger if you don't have any fresh ginger available.

• Spring Onion: Spring onion is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different Chinese dishes. It adds a mild onion flavour and a crunch to your squid recipe. If you don't have spring onion, you can use regular onion or shallots instead.

Sauces and Oils

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a key ingredient in many Chinese recipes, and it adds a salty and savoury flavour to your squid dish. You can use light or dark soy sauce depending on your preference.

• Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce is a thick and savoury sauce that is made from oysters. It adds a rich and umami flavour to your squid dish. If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or soy sauce instead.

• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is a fragrant and nutty oil that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. It adds a delicious aroma and flavour to your squid dish. If you don't have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil instead.

• Shaoxing Wine: Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine that is used in many Chinese dishes. It adds a complex and subtle flavour to your squid dish. If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or cooking wine instead.

When it comes to seafood, you can use other types of seafood in your squid recipe to add variety and flavour. Shrimp, scallops, and mussels are all great options that pair well with squid. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for each type of seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-Frying Squid

Stir-frying is a popular Chinese cooking technique that involves cooking small pieces of food over high heat in a wok. When it comes to cooking squid, stir-frying is a great way to ensure that the squid is cooked quickly and evenly. To stir-fry squid, cut it into small pieces and cook it in a hot wok with a small amount of oil. You can use different types of oil for stir-frying, but oils with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, are ideal.

Seafood like prawns or scallops can also be added to the stir-fry for extra flavour and texture. Just make sure to add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Blanching and High-Heat Cooking

Blanching is a cooking technique that involves briefly boiling food in water before plunging it into ice water to stop the cooking process. This method is ideal for cooking squid, as it helps to tenderise the meat and remove any excess moisture. Once the squid has been blanched, it can be cooked using high-heat methods like stir-frying or deep-frying.

When deep-frying squid, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil. This will ensure that the oil doesn't burn and that the squid cooks evenly. Deep-fried squid is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and is often served as a snack or appetizer.

Overall, there are many different cooking techniques that can be used to cook squid in Chinese cuisine. Whether you choose to stir-fry, blanch, or deep-fry your squid, the key is to cook it quickly over high heat to ensure that it is tender and flavourful. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of seafood as well, like prawns or scallops, to add extra flavour and texture to your dishes.

Flavour Profiles and Pairings

Balancing Spices and Textures

When it comes to Chinese-style squid recipes, the balance of spices and textures is key to creating a delicious dish. A combination of light soy sauce, cumin powder, ground white pepper, and black pepper can be used to create a savoury flavour profile that complements the natural sweetness of the squid. The peppercorns can be used to add a mild heat to the dish, while the lime juice can be used to add a tangy flavour.

To create a crispy texture, a popular technique is to coat the squid in a batter made from cornflour, baking powder, and water. This creates a light and airy coating that is not too greasy. Another option is to stir-fry the squid with vegetables such as spring onions, green onions, red onion, bell pepper, and chili pepper. This adds a variety of textures to the dish and also helps to balance the flavours.

Accompaniments and Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your Chinese-style squid dish, there are many options to choose from. Some popular options include chopped spring onions, coriander, and sesame seeds. These can be sprinkled over the top of the dish to add a pop of colour and flavour.

To complement the savoury flavours of the squid, a side of steamed rice or noodles is a great option. If you want to add a touch of sweetness to the dish, you can also add a teaspoon of sugar to the sauce.

Finally, seafood such as prawns, scallops, or mussels can be added to the dish to create a seafood medley. This can be a great way to add variety to the dish and create a more complex flavour profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure that all the seafood is cooked evenly.

Overall, Chinese-style squid dishes are a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness and tender texture of squid. By balancing the spices and textures and choosing the right accompaniments and garnishes, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

Chinese-style squid dishes are a popular choice for seafood lovers. When it comes to presentation, you can get creative with the plating. For example, you can serve the squid on a bed of steamed rice with some green peppers and king oyster mushrooms on the side. This will give a pop of colour and texture to the dish.

To ensure your squid is crisp and tender, it is important to cook it properly. One way to achieve this is to score the squid tubes before cooking. This creates grooves that help the sauce cling to the squid better, resulting in a more flavourful dish.

When serving squid, it is common to use white rice as the base. This provides a neutral flavour that complements the bold flavours of the squid. Additionally, steamed rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is often served alongside seafood dishes.

If you are looking for a restaurant-quality presentation, you can use a large plate and arrange the squid in a decorative pattern. You can also garnish the dish with some fresh herbs or thinly sliced vegetables for added flavour and visual appeal.

It is worth noting that seafood can be a great addition to your squid dish. Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat are all great options to consider. However, it is important to ensure that the seafood is cooked properly to avoid any food safety issues.

Overall, Chinese-style squid dishes are a delicious and versatile option for seafood lovers. With the right presentation and serving suggestions, you can elevate your dish to restaurant-quality and impress your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you stir fry squid so it stays tender?

The key to stir-frying squid so that it stays tender is to cook it quickly over high heat. Make sure to slice the squid into thin pieces and pat it dry with a paper towel before cooking. You can also marinate the squid in a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for added tenderness. Be sure not to overcook the squid, as this will make it tough and rubbery.

What's a simple Chinese-style squid recipe for beginners?

A simple Chinese-style squid recipe for beginners is stir-fried squid with vegetables. You can use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots, and pair them with your choice of seafood such as shrimp or scallops. Season the dish with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar for added flavour.

Can you suggest a good oyster sauce to use for squid stir fry?

A good oyster sauce to use for squid stir fry is Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce. It has a rich and savoury flavour that pairs well with seafood. However, feel free to use any brand of oyster sauce that you prefer.

What are some tasty vegetables to pair with squid in a stir fry?

Some tasty vegetables to pair with squid in a stir fry include bell peppers, onions, carrots, and bok choy. These vegetables add colour, texture, and flavour to the dish. You can also add some sliced mushrooms for added umami flavour.

What's the secret to making a delicious spicy squid dish?

The secret to making a delicious spicy squid dish is to use fresh squid and to score the squid tubes to create grooves that will hold onto the sauce better. Marinating the squid in Shaoxing wine before cooking will also help eliminate any fishy taste. Lastly, be sure to use fresh chilli peppers or chilli oil for added heat.

How should baby squid be prepared in Chinese cooking?

Baby squid can be prepared in a variety of ways in Chinese cooking. One simple and delicious way is to coat the squid with a mixture of cornstarch, flour, and seasoning, then deep fry until crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce such as sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce. You can also slice the baby squid into rings and stir-fry with vegetables for added flavour and nutrition.