Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Whelk and Squid: Perfect for a Side Dish or a Savory Snack!
Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Whelk and Squid: Perfect for a Side Dish or a Savory Snack!
#SimpleStirFry #SeafoodStirFry #WhelkAndSquid
A delightful dish featuring chewy squid and tender whelks stir-fried with crisp vegetables in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. This dish is incredibly versatile, serving perfectly as a satisfying side dish for rice or an appetizing snack to accompany your favorite beverages. It’s a great way to elevate any meal, whether it’s a special occasion or a regular weeknight.
Main Ingredients- 1 can Whelks (canned, reserve 2 Tbsp of the brine)
- 1 Squid (cleaned)
- 1 stalk Green Onion (white part primarily)
- 1/2 Onion
- 5 cloves Garlic
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Seasoning- A pinch of Salt
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- A pinch of Salt
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the cleaned squid. Bring a pot of water to a boil and briefly blanch the squid for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough.
Step 2
Rinse the blanched squid under cold water, drain well, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 cm wide.
Step 3
Drain the canned whelks in a sieve and slice them into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the squid. Make sure to reserve about 2 tablespoons of the brine from the can for the sauce.
Step 4
Slice the onion thinly into strips. Cut the green onion diagonally into bite-sized pieces. Mince or thinly slice the garlic cloves. Preparing the vegetables this way will enhance their texture and flavor.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat and add cooking oil. Add the sliced or minced garlic and sauté gently over low heat until fragrant and lightly golden. It’s important to stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced onion to the pan and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. The natural sweetness of the onions will be released, adding depth to the flavor.
Step 7
When the garlic and onions are well sautéed, add the sliced squid and whelks to the pan. Stir-fry briefly to combine them without overcrowding.
Step 8
Now it’s time to season the dish. Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of whelk brine, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry quickly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 9
Continue to stir-fry until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients beautifully. You can adjust the amount of salt and oyster sauce to your preference if needed.
Step 10
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat for just about 30 to 40 seconds. This brief cooking time will keep the green onions crisp and aromatic, which is key to the dish’s texture.
Step 11
Transfer the beautifully stir-fried whelk and squid to a serving plate. Sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the top for a final touch. Enjoy this delicious dish with a warm bowl of rice or a cold beverage!
