Published Aug 24, 2024
Three Cup Squid
If you’re exploring delicious squid recipes, you’re in for a treat with the classic Chinese style Three Cup Squid. This flavorful stir fry squid dish, known for its savory and aromatic profile, showcases tender squid cooked with soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. This Chinese squid recipe is called 三杯小卷 (Sān Bēi Xiǎo Juǎn) in Chinese; it’s a standout example of squid dishes that capture the essence of Chinese cuisine. It’s full of flavors that are both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re a fan of squid dishes or new to cooking with squid, this dish is a great introduction to the rich and diverse world of Chinese seafood. For a variety of Asian squid recipes, please check out Malaysian Sambal Sotong, Chinese Squid with Black Bean Sauce, and Basil Squid, a popular Thai squid recipe.
Why You’ll Love Chinese Style Squid
Chinese cuisine makes some of the best squid dishes for a few great reasons:
First, authentic Chinese flavors are amazing, thanks to rich sauces and spices. Chinese cooking techniques, like stir-frying and braising, keep the squid tender and delicious. Chinese recipes are versatile, offering everything from stir-fries, spicy variations to savory braises. The long tradition of balancing flavors means each dish is well-crafted. The way Chinese pair squid with ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and cooking wine really makes the flavor pop.
Pro Tip: For Chinese stir-fry, squid is typically quickly blanched in hot water before stir-frying. This brief blanching helps keep the squid tender and soft. During stir-frying, the quick cooking ensures the squid remains tender and doesn’t become overcooked or rubbery.
Three Cup Squid Ingredients
This Asian squid recipe uses a range of common ingredients to create delicious flavors:
Squid – the star of the dish. Garlic and ginger – work together to deliver an amazing aroma. Sesame oil – adds a nutty, toasty flavor and helps mask any fishiness. Shaoxing wine – enhances depth and complexity. Soy sauce – gives a savory, umami kick. Red chili – provides a pop of color and a hint of heat. Basil leaves – use Asian basil with purple stems for an authentic touch. Cornstarch and water – create a slurry to thicken the sauce.
For more details on each ingredient, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How To Make This Recipe
Step 5: Dish out and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Helpful Tips For Home Cooks
How To Choose Squid
Smell: It should have a clean, slightly sweet scent. Avoid any with a strong, fishy odor. Look: The squid should have shiny, clear skin and firm, translucent flesh. Avoid any with discoloration or sliminess. Eyes: Fresh squid have clear, bright eyes. Cloudy or sunken eyes can mean it’s not fresh. Size: Pick squid that are similar in size if you need them to cook evenly. For recipes needing whole squid, go for larger ones. Frozen Squid: If buying frozen, make sure the packaging is intact and there’s no freezer burn or ice crystals.
How To Clean Squid
Start by peeling off the skin and separating the head from the tube. Remove the ink sac from the innards to prevent any bitter taste or staining. Rinse the body and tentacles under cold water. If the recipe calls for squid rings, cut the tube into rings (about 4 rings for medium-sized squid), and then pat dry with paper towels.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For a wholesome and homey Chinese meal, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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