Cumin Squid Recipe
Ingredients:
– Squid: About 1 pound of fresh or frozen squid, cleaned and cut into rings or bite-sized pieces. (Thaw completely if using frozen squid.)
– Marinade:
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
– Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for umami)
– 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or more, to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional, for a more complex flavor)
– Garnish:
– Chopped green onions
– Sesame seeds (optional)
– Cooking oil
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Squid: In a bowl, combine the squid with the marinade ingredients. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps the squid absorb the flavors.
2. Stir-fry the Squid: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated squid and stir-fry until it’s cooked through but still tender – about 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook, as squid can become tough. Remove the squid from the wok and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine/sherry, sugar, cumin, chili powder, and five-spice powder, if using). Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly thickened.
4. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked squid back to the wok and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Stir-fry for another minute to ensure the squid is heated through and the sauce is well combined.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
– Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference.
– Other Spices: Experiment with other spices like paprika, coriander, or garlic powder to customize the flavor.
– Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the stir-fry.
– Garlic: You can add more minced garlic or use garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
