I love everything about squid. From a good grilled version to crispy fried or aromatic stir fry, it is one of the most delicious proteins to me. It feels like you get the freshest lulas here in the Algarve, so I have this super easy stir fry which incorporates turmeric that I have been wanting to share. It is healthy, fun, and only takes minutes to prepare. So here goes. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy it!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized squid
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp light soy
- 1 large red onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Directions
Firstly, prepare your squid with a good clean. I always get the fishmonger to clean the fish for me. First, remove the tentacles and slice them approximately three tentacles apart. Next, slice the body of your squid into roughly 1 cm pieces. Set aside in a bowl and marinate with turmeric powder and salt. If you like, you can prepare the squid ahead of time and leave it cling-wrapped in the fridge to use later in the day.
Now, heat your wok or pan with vegetable oil. Once it is smoking hot, add your slices of red onions. Stir for a few minutes until translucent, and then add your minced garlic.
As soon as they start to brown, turn your heat up to high and throw in your marinated squid. Your wok should be very hot. I would stir fry the squid for a maximum of 2–3 minutes or until “opaque”. Now add a splash of soy sauce. Stir for another two minutes and watch your squid caramelise.
You are done. Quickly dish out and serve immediately with fragrant steamed rice. If you like, you can top it with coriander and scallions.
Turmeric trivia
Turmeric, or cúcuma in Portuguese, is a super nutritious power food. It has a golden orange colour and is used to add colour but also flavour to food. Yes, it is from the ginger family as you might have guessed.
Used for hundreds of years in Ayurveda healing remedies, Chinese traditional medicine and Asian cooking, it has anti-inflammatory properties and is a great source of antioxidants, offering other benefits for the heart and overall health too.
Did you know?
Research now points to squid being a high source of low-fat protein, heart-healthy Vitamin E and omega fatty acids as well as antioxidants to fight off free radicals. It is also proven to contain choline, which encourages brain health!
Joy Entry is a Malaysian home cook based in Lagos who is obsessed with the provocative, unapologetic flavours of South-East Asian cuisine
Instagram: @thatasianhomecook
