5 Easy Chinese Squid Recipes to Wow Your Guests

In the world of culinary exploration, Chinese cuisine stands out for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and tantalizing techniques. Among the many delicacies, squid dishes hold a special place, offering a unique texture that can range from tender to delightfully chewy. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking to expand your cooking repertoire, these five easy Chinese squid recipes will not only impress your guests but also introduce them to the succulent and savory world of Chinese seafood.

1. Stir-Fried Squid with Ginger and Scallion

If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dish, stir-fried squid with ginger and scallion is the way to go. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g of fresh squid, cleaned and scored
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 3 slices of fresh ginger
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• Preparation:
  1. Heat the oil in a wok or a large frying pan over high heat. Add ginger and garlic, stir-fry until aromatic.
  2. Quickly add the squid and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until it just starts to turn opaque.
  3. Mix in the scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, white pepper, and Shaoxing wine. Stir-fry for another minute to combine flavors.
  4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra scallions if desired.

🧙‍♂️ Note: The key to tender squid is not to overcook it. A quick sear is all it needs!

2. Spicy Squid with Peppercorns

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this recipe will spice up your menu:

• Ingredients:
  • 450g of cleaned squid tubes, cut into rings
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
  • 2 dried red chilies, broken into pieces
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon black vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Preparation:
  1. Heat the peanut oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the peppercorns and chilies; fry until aromatic.
  2. Stir in garlic and then quickly add the squid, frying for a minute until it starts to turn opaque.
  3. Add sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cook for another minute. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.
  4. Serve hot, ensuring the balance of spice and sweetness.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the number of chilies to your heat preference!

3. Squid and Cucumber Salad

A refreshing appetizer or side dish, this recipe showcases the crisp texture of cucumber against the soft squid:

• Ingredients:
  • 300g cooked squid (boiled or steamed)
  • 1 large cucumber, julienned
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Preparation:
  1. Toss the squid and cucumber together in a bowl.
  2. Whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and soy sauce.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad, mix well, and let it sit for 10 minutes to marinate.
  4. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

4. Braised Squid with Black Beans

This dish offers a deep, rich flavor with an umami boost from fermented black beans:

• Ingredients:
  • 600g squid, cleaned and cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable stock
• Preparation:
  1. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; fry until fragrant.
  2. Add the squid, black beans, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry briefly.
  3. Pour in the stock, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the squid is tender.
  4. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

🍛 Note: Simmering on low heat ensures the squid absorbs all the flavors without becoming tough.

5. Crispy Fried Squid with Sweet Chili Glaze

Finish your squid fest with this sweet and spicy delight:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g squid rings or strips
  • 1 cup of cornstarch
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• Preparation:
  1. Toss the squid in cornstarch seasoned with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the squid in batches until golden and crispy.
  3. Drain on paper towels and immediately toss in sweet chili sauce.
  4. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or sesame seeds.

These five squid dishes not only highlight the versatility of this seafood but also bring out the diverse flavors that Chinese cuisine is known for. Each recipe provides a different textural experience, from the tender chewiness of stir-fried squid to the crispy delight of fried squid with sweet chili glaze. By incorporating these recipes into your cooking, you're not just serving a meal; you're offering a culinary journey. Whether you’re an avid seafood enthusiast or a curious home cook, these recipes can help you impress your guests with minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

Can I use frozen squid for these recipes?

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Absolutely. Thaw the squid completely in the refrigerator before using it to ensure the best texture and flavor.

How do I store leftover squid dishes?

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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be consumed within two days for the best quality. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the squid.

What’s the best way to clean fresh squid?

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To clean fresh squid, remove the head, tentacles, and ink sac. Pull out the quill, rinse thoroughly, and remove the skin. Score the body lightly if desired for a different texture when cooked.