Recipe - Stir Fry Spicy Squid (Sambal Sotong)

The spicy squid (or sambal sotong) is a very popular dish in Singapore. You are almost sure to find it at many eateries, especially those selling nasi padang food. Onions, chilli paste, salt, sugar and tamarind juice combine to give this dish the spicy sensation, hot, sweet and tangy. To enjoy this dish, the squid must be cooked just right. The meat is sweet, soft and juicy and it melts in your mouth.

Squid or clalamari have lots of protein and also have lots of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and B vitamins and also vitamins A, D, K and E. These minerals help to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, help the body relax and build strong bones. Squid will also help keep your head of hair, nice skin and healthy nails. Squid is also full of essential fatty acids and some Omega 3 oils. Squid does contain a low amount of cholesterol compared to eggs and liver. And we do need some cholesterol in our diet to maintain a healthy nervous system for creating hormones...... so have some Calamari and enjoy life!

I always have a spare bottle of home made chilli paste for convenience (link).

Ingredients
400 gms squid cut into rings

calamari

2 large french onions (purple) sliced thickly

1 medium sized tomato diced about 8 pieces

1 stalk spring onions cut into long strips

2 tablespoons home-made chilli paste

tamarind water - from small knob of tamarind (assam) paste mixed with some water

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tbs light sauce

1 tbs oil

Method

Heat oil on medium

Stir fry onions in heated oil till fragrant

Add chilli paste & continue to fry till chilli emits fragrance

Turn up the heat 

In quick succession:

On high heat add in squid slices and stir fry briskly for about 10 secs

Add sliced tomatoes, pour in tamarind water and stir

Add sugar , light sauce, spring onion strips, stir and switch off heat

The whole process should take about 5 minutes.

Squids should have soft texture; overcooked squids will taste hard and springy.

Transfer to serving plate and enjoy.
    

A nice 1.5 minute video on stir fry spicy squid

A 2 minute video from The Meatmenchannel on how to cook sambal sotong.






A 5 minute video on squid stir fry with hot bean paste.