Introduction
If you’re a seafood lover who enjoys bold flavors, quick cooking, and a bit of spice, then this Spicy Garlic Squid Stir-Fry with Onion Leeks is the dish for you. Imagine tender squid rings infused with a garlicky aroma, balanced by the sweetness of onions and the freshness of leeks, all tied together with a savory blend of soy sauce and oyster sauce. The chilies bring just the right amount of heat to make each bite exciting without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the squid.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s also versatile enough to serve at a family dinner or even impress your guests at a gathering. Plus, it pairs beautifully with plain steamed rice, allowing the flavors of the squid to truly shine.
🧂 Ingredients
500 g fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
2 tbsp cooking oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
1 stalk onion leeks, cut into 2-inch strips
2–3 red chilies, chopped (adjust spice level)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp water
Salt & pepper to taste
Cooking Preparation for the Squid
Before cooking, it’s important to prepare the squid properly:
Cleaning: Remove the head, innards, and transparent cartilage inside. Peel off the purple skin for a cleaner look.
Slicing: Cut into rings of even thickness to ensure even cooking.
Drying: Pat dry with paper towels. This prevents excess water in the wok and helps achieve better flavor.
👩🍳 Cooking Process (⏱️ ~20 minutes)
- Prepare the squid – After cleaning and slicing into rings, pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté the garlic – Heat oil in a wok or deep pan. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables – Toss in the sliced onion and chopped red chilies. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Cook the squid – Add the squid rings and stir quickly over high heat for around 3 minutes until they turn opaque white. Be careful not to overcook, as squid can turn rubbery.
- Season the dish – Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Stir well to combine and allow flavors to blend for 3–4 minutes.
- Finish with leeks – Add the onion leeks last, stirring quickly and cooking for only 1–2 minutes to preserve their crunch and fresh flavor.
- Final seasoning – Adjust with salt and pepper according to taste.
Preparation & Cooking Time
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes
Serving Suggestion
This dish is best served hot, straight from the wok, with a bowl of freshly steamed white rice. For added freshness, you can garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice. If you prefer a complete meal, serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a light soup.
❓ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Can I use frozen squid instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen squid works well if thawed properly. Make sure to drain excess water and pat dry before cooking.
Q2: How do I keep squid tender?
The key is not to overcook. Squid cooks very quickly — about 2–3 minutes on high heat is enough.
Q3: Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Add more chilies for extra heat, or reduce/remove them for a milder version.
Q4: What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or fish sauce for a different but equally tasty flavor profile.
Q5: Can this dish be prepared in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cleaned squid and chopped vegetables ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated until cooking.
Conclusion
The Spicy Garlic Squid Stir-Fry with Onion Leeks is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines tender seafood with bold Asian-inspired seasonings. Its simplicity makes it an excellent option for both weeknight meals and special occasions. With just a few basic ingredients, you can transform squid into a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
So next time you crave something spicy, garlicky, and comforting, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
