Sweet & Spicy Calamari- Easy Calamari Recipe
Unlike many people I know, I actually adore calamari. I’m on a constant crusade to show people that calamari done right is one of the most delicious foods ever. I’m convinced that people who don’t like calamari have only had overcooked rubbery calamari; after all, that’s the reason they cite for not liking it. This quick and easy stir-fry takes calamari with some of my go-to ingredients- pungent garlic, tangy tamarind, a little kecap mani (sweet soy sauce) and chili sauce to create a mouth-watering hot dish. Serve it on a bed of warm jasmine rice and you’re good to go.

Serves 4

Ingredients
1 ½ lbs squid rings (or whole squid and cut into rings)
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
10 cloves garlic finely minced
4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek (substitute with your favorite chili sauce)
1 1/2 tablespoons tamarind paste/concentrate (substitute with fresh lime juice)
3/4 teaspoon salt
Cilantro for garnish

Method

In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil on high heat. Sauté the garlic in the oil for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Add the squid rings, sweet soy sauce, sambal oelek and tamarind paste. Toss to mix the sauce and the squid, stir-frying for another 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the salt, tossing again to mix thoroughly. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and serve immediately.