Squid Chilly Fry Recipe
Squid chilli fry is a quick and simple Goan dish that's spicy, tangy, and full of flavor. The squid is pan-fried with onions, bell peppers, and green chillies, then tossed in sauces and spices. Cook it just right so the squid stays soft and juicy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- 1 Heavy bottom pan
Ingredients
- 500 grams squid 7-8 medium-sized, cleaned and cut
- Salt to taste
- 2 medium onions sliced
- 1 tomato sliced
- 3 green chillies adjust to taste
- 1 capsicum / bell pepper sliced
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves or spring onion greens
- Oil as needed
Instructions
- Add salt to the cleaned squid and let it marinate for 15 minutes. While the squid marinates, slice and prep all vegetables.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the squid and cook for 2-3 minutes. The squid will release some water. It is completely normal. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes until soft. Remove the squid along with the liquid and keep it aside.
- In the same pan, heat 3-4 teaspoons oil. Add chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly soft.
- Add tomato, green chillies, and capsicum. Cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften and retain crunch.
- Add red chilli powder, turmeric, black pepper, soy sauce, and tomato ketchup. Mix well to combine with the vegetables.
- Add the reserved squid liquid to the pan and stir. Add the cooked squid and toss everything together. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Add lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves. Stir once and remove from heat. Serve hot.
Notes
- Don't overcook the squid: Squid cooks very fast. Cook it just long enough to stay soft and juicy. Overcooking makes it rubbery. I always pinch one piece to taste to make sure it is perfectly cooked.
- Marinate in salt for a few minutes: This helps tenderize the squid and brings out its natural flavor. A small sprinkle of salt works wonders. Do not skip this step.
- Customize the flavors: There are so many ways to make this squid chilli fry. The sauces add tangy, savory notes, but you can also keep it simple with just spices if you prefer a lighter, more traditional taste.