How to Make Stir-Fried Squid with Celery: A Flavorful Adventure

Stir-fried squid with celery is a vibrant and delicious dish that’s popular in many parts of Asia. It’s a delightful combination of tender squid, crisp celery, and a savory sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore the secrets to creating this flavorful stir-fry in your own kitchen.

A Culinary Journey Through My Grandmother’s Kitchen

Growing up, the aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce wafting from my grandmother’s kitchen always meant one thing: stir-fry night. Her stir-fried squid with celery was legendary. The squid, always perfectly tender, and the celery, with its satisfying crunch, created a symphony of textures in every bite. She taught me that the key to a great stir-fry lies in the freshness of ingredients and the mastery of heat control. Today, I’m excited to share her treasured recipe with you.

Ingredients for a Delicious Squid and Celery Stir-fry

For the squid:

• 1 pound fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

For the stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish

Substitutions:

• Squid: You can substitute squid with shrimp, scallops, or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Celery: For a different textural experience, try substituting celery with bok choy, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Stir-fried squid with celery ingredients

Essential Tools for Stir-frying

• Wok or large skillet: A wok’s unique shape and high sides allow for quick and even cooking, which is essential for stir-frying. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just fine.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing ingredients uniformly, ensuring they cook evenly.
• Cutting board: Protect your countertop and ensure safe chopping with a sturdy cutting board.
• Mixing bowls: Use separate bowls for marinating the squid and combining the sauce ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stir-fried Squid with Celery

1. Prepare the squid: In a bowl, combine the sliced squid with soy sauce, cornstarch, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the squid and infuse it with flavor.

2. Heat the wok: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

4. Stir-fry the celery: Add the sliced celery to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns bright green and slightly softened.

5. Add the squid: Push the celery to the sides of the wok, creating a space in the center. Pour in the marinated squid and spread it out evenly. Allow the squid to cook undisturbed for a minute to develop a slight sear.

6. Combine and simmer: Stir the squid and celery together. Pour in the chicken broth (or water), oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

7. Thicken the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until it slightly thickens. This step helps to coat the squid and celery evenly with a flavorful glaze.

8. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Stir-fried squid with celery cooking process

Tips and Tricks for Stir-fry Success

• High heat is key: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly. Ensure your wok or skillet is heated thoroughly before adding the ingredients.
• Don’t overcrowd the wok: Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry, resulting in a soggy dish. Cook in batches if needed.
• Velveting the squid: Marinating the squid with cornstarch helps to create a tender and velvety texture. This technique is commonly used in Chinese cooking to enhance the texture of seafood and meat.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Expert Insights on Stir-fried Squid with Celery

“Stir-frying is an art form that requires practice and precision,” says Chef Lin, a renowned chef specializing in Cantonese cuisine. “The key to achieving perfectly cooked squid is to avoid overcooking it. Squid should be cooked quickly over high heat until just opaque. Overcooked squid becomes tough and rubbery.”

Conclusion: Embark on Your Stir-Fry Adventure

Stir-fried squid with celery is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With fresh ingredients, a hot wok, and a dash of culinary confidence, you can create this restaurant-quality dish in your own home. So gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and embark on a flavorful adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and stir-fry stories with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your experiences. Happy cooking!