fried cuttlefish with leeks

How to Stir-Fry Squid with Chives: A Complete Guide

Stir-fried squid with chives is a popular Chinese dish celebrated for its tender-crisp squid and aromatic, garlicky flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfecting it.

Ingredients:

- 300g fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings

- 200g chives, cut into 3-inch segments

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp ginger, julienned

- 1 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tsp oyster sauce

- ½ tsp sugar

- ½ tsp white pepper

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Squid: Rinse squid rings under cold water, pat dry, and marinate for 10 minutes with a pinch of salt, white pepper, and 1 tsp soy sauce. This tenderizes the squid and removes any fishy odor.

2. Stir-Fry Aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 10 seconds until fragrant.

3. Cook the Squid: Add squid rings to the wok, stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until they curl and turn opaque (do not overcook, or they become tough). Remove and set aside.

4. Combine with Chives: In the same wok, add chives and stir-fry for 1 minute until slightly wilted. Return the squid to the wok.

5. Season and Serve: Drizzle in remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss quickly to coat everything evenly. Adjust salt if needed. Dish out immediately and serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips: For extra umami, a splash of rice wine can be added when stir-frying the garlic. Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful dish that balances the ocean’s sweetness with the freshness of chives!