April 16, 2013

Stir-fried squid and baby bok choy

Serving bowl of stir fried squid with baby bok choy over rice.

Here's yet another Asian inspired recipe and another new protein for me to be cooking at home: squid. 

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While I've certainly eaten fried calamari at restaurants, I've never cooked squid at home and I've rarely eaten it without a breading. I have to admit, I was a little nervous, but I was inspired by the beautiful recipe at one of my favorite blogs, Wild Greens & Sardines. I love her blog with its amazing photography and also her use of less common ingredients. If you haven't visited it before, I highly recommend doing so. 

Squid is something that gets tough very easily, so you have to either stew it for a long time, or cook it super quickly. I was afraid of making little rubber bands my first time around, but the squid turned out great - slightly chewy, yet tender and soft. 

I liked the idea of using some Thai flavors with the squid. Indeed, the two times I've tried squid without breading were in Thailand and at a Thai restaurant, so it was fitting. 

I thought the flavors were delicious with the slightly sweet squid and the slightly bitter bok choy. I served this dish over jasmine rice, which was certainly the longest part of this meal. The stir-fry itself is quick and easy - perfect for a weeknight meal. This dish serves two.

Chop sticks picking up cooked squid.

Stir-fried squid with baby bok choy
1-2 teaspoons chili sauce, such as Sriracha, use more or less to your heat preference
juice of 1/2 a lime
2 teaspoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
coconut oil, for cooking
about 1 lb. baby bok choy
3 scallions, thinly sliced, greens and whites separated
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
about 3/4 lb. cleaned squid, bodies cut into about 1/2-inch rings 

In a small bowl, whisk together the chili sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.

Cut the bottoms off the baby bok choy and separate the leaves. Heat about two tablespoons of coconut oil in a wok or large skillet until hot. Add the bok choy and cook, stirring occasionally, until the stems are tender and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add a little more coconut oil to the pan, if necessary. Then add the scallions whites, garlic, and squid. Cook, stirring often, until the squid is no longer translucent, about 2 minutes. Pour the sauce into the pan and return the bok choy to the pan. Toss to warm and coat. Garnish with the scallion greens.

Serve over rice along with extra chili sauce and lime wedges.

Stir fried squid woith baby bok choy in a serving bowl.

18 comments:

  1. Amy, thanks so much for the kind words :-) And great idea to use coconut oil for cooking, I'm going to try that next time.

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  2. Wow what a great stir fry! Quite unique!

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  3. I love squid AND baby bok choy, so this is a sure win!

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  4. I haven't had squid any other way but fried! Love the Thai flavors here Amy!

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  5. oh looks good I have never cooked squid before either great job on your first time

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  6. Hi Amy! I love squid and have some in freezer too! I love this quick stir fried dish! Lime, fish sauce..hmmm my favorite refreshing flavor right there! :)

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  7. I found your blog by clicking your name on ur comment in lisaiscooking blog... you sooo need to be putting your stuff into flauntmyfood.com that is where i found lisaiscooking and other bloggers stuff I check out daily! Just a tip, Cheers!

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  8. I have to say, I don't cook a lot of squid but my family do love it. I adore the flavours you have put with it. I could eat just the bok choy bit!

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  9. Squid is a seafood we eat a lot in Greece! We make it in a different way but you gave me a new idea on how to prepare it! It looks very tasty!

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  10. Neato! I'm eager to try cooking squid some day to see if I can avoid the rubber band syndrome:)

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  11. I'm always looking for new recipes with bok choy- great idea!

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  12. Never cooked with squid before but I have had it at restaurants! Looks like a pretty tasty recipe!

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  13. You are fearless young lady! I just planted bok choy in our garden but can't say I want to go buy squid. It is lovely!

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  14. Hi Amy, your calamari dish look awesome. I love calamari regardless cook in any style.

    Have a nice weekend.

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  15. I adore squid! The only reason I don't cook much with it is because my family don't like the "smell" I have no problem with it, though. And this salad looks gorgeous!!! I love squid grilled, too...so might try that soon!

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  16. I love squid, so I know this will be very delicious.

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