Craving a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that's quick to prepare? Look no further than this spicy stir-fried squid with holy basil recipe! This simple yet sensational dish bursts with the aromatic fragrance of holy basil, the satisfying chew of tender squid, and a kick of chili that will tantalize your taste buds. It's the perfect weeknight meal, offering a delicious alternative to your usual takeout and showcasing the best of Thai cuisine without the complex techniques. The combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory creates a harmonious flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and requires minimal cooking time, making it ideal for even the busiest of cooks. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep; get ready to experience the authentic taste of Thailand in minutes. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and Pestle
Ingredients
- Squid Jaws
- Long Beans
- Holy Basil
- Chinese Garlic: 5 cloves
- Dried Chili: 10 peppers
- Bird's Eye Chili: 10 peppers
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Seasoning Sauce
- Sugar
- MSG (optional)
- Cooking Oil: a little
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and cut the squid jaws into bite-sized pieces. You can create stripes for a nicer presentation.
- Cut the long beans into sections.
- Boil the squid briefly until cooked, then rinse with cold water to cool.
- Pound the garlic and chilies until fine.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Squid and Vegetables
- Heat a pan with a little oil. Add the chili and garlic, stir-frying until fragrant.
- Add the squid jaws and long beans to the pan.
- Add the water used to rinse the mortar.
- Season with oyster sauce, seasoning sauce, sugar, and optional MSG.
Step 3. Add Holy Basil and Season
- Add the holy basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
- For a sweeter dish, add more sugar.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the holy basil?
Yes, you can substitute Thai basil or even regular basil, but the flavor will be slightly different. Holy basil has a unique licorice-like note.
2. How do I prevent the squid from becoming rubbery?
Don't overcook it! Squid cooks very quickly. Stir-fry it for just a minute or two until it turns opaque and slightly curls.
3. What if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be less nuanced. A combination of soy sauce and a touch of Worcestershire sauce can get closer to the fish sauce flavor profile.
This spicy stir-fried squid with holy basil is a testament to the beauty of simple Thai cooking – bold flavors achieved with minimal effort. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and textures of this quick and easy dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound Thai culinary skills!