fried squid in soy sauce

How to Make Stir-Fried Squid with Spicy Bean Sauce

Stir-fried squid with spicy bean sauce is a flavorful, quick-cooked dish that balances tender squid and savory sauce. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: 500g fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings; 2 tbsp cooking oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, julienned; 2 tbsp fermented bean paste (doubanjiang); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 green onion, chopped; 1 red chili, sliced (optional).

Steps:

1. Prep the Squid: Rinse squid rings, pat dry, and marinate with 1 tsp soy sauce for 10 minutes.

2. Make the Sauce: Mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp fermented bean paste in a bowl.

3. Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant (30 seconds). Add squid rings and cook for 1–2 minutes until they curl and turn opaque (avoid overcooking to keep them tender).

4. Season: Pour the sauce over the squid, toss quickly to coat evenly. Add chili and green onion, stir-fry for another 30 seconds.

5. Serve: Transfer to a plate and enjoy hot with steamed rice.

Tips: For extra umami, add a splash of Shaoxing wine. Adjust spice levels by reducing chili or bean paste. This dish is best cooked swiftly to maintain the squid’s delicate texture. Enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home!