How to Make Crispy and Fresh Stir-Fried Squid with Asparagus

Stir-fried squid with asparagus is a dish that is both light and rich, combining the natural sweetness of squid with the signature crispness and vibrant green of asparagus. In the article below, Ola Squid will guide you through how to make stir-fried squid with asparagus simply, deliciously, and easily right at home, so don’t miss it!

Ingredients for stir-fried squid with asparagus

To make stir-fried squid with asparagus for about 3 – 4 people, you need to prepare the following ingredients:

Note: You should choose medium-sized squid for easy preparation and quick cooking. Use fresh asparagus with medium stalks that are not too old so they maintain their crunch and natural sweetness when stir-fried.

How to choose fresh squid and delicious asparagus properly

Fresh ingredients are an important factor helping the stir-fried squid with asparagus retain its natural sweetness and minimize fishy odors.

Tips for choosing fresh squid:

• Shape: Choose squid with an intact body that is not bruised or deformed.
• Color: Fresh squid has a natural color with a glossy skin layer.
• Meat texture: The squid meat is firm and does not feel mushy or soft when held.
• Adhesion: The head is tightly attached to the body, and the tentacles are not broken or falling off easily.
• Freshness: The squid has a natural seafood scent with no spoiled smell or signs of decomposition.

Tips for choosing delicious asparagus:

• Asparagus stalks: Choose straight, sturdy stalks that are not limp or shriveled.
• Color: The outer skin is fresh green, uniform, without yellowing or dark spots.
• Tips: The asparagus tips are tightly closed, fresh, not dry or blooming open.
• Tender texture: Prioritize asparagus with medium stalks, not too old because the base is fibrous, making it hard and difficult to eat when stir-fried.

Watch now: Experience in choosing fresh and delicious squid from food connoisseurs

Steps to make crispy, sweet, and non-fishy stir-fried squid with asparagus

After preparing the ingredients, you should prep the squid and asparagus separately and stir-fry each for the appropriate duration. This method helps the squid reach just-cooked perfection without being chewy while keeping the asparagus vibrant green and naturally crisp.

Step 1 – Preparing the ingredients

Gently pull the head away from the body of the squid tubes, remove the ink sac, quill, and internal organs, then wash thoroughly. Peel off the outer skin if you want the dish to have a bright, attractive color, then use a knife to lightly score the squid body in a dragon-scale pattern and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Wash the asparagus under running water, paying special attention to the tip buds as this is where dirt easily clings. Use a knife to cut off the tough, woody ends at the bottom, then cut the asparagus into lengths of about one finger joint or diagonally for a more appealing look.

Learn more: How to clean squid quickly and simply

Step 2: Blanching the squid and asparagus

Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium heat, add the cut squid and blanch briefly for about 2-3 minutes. Then, take the squid out and drain well. Next, bring another pot of water to a boil, blanch the asparagus for about 30 seconds, then remove and immediately submerge it in a bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes to maintain its crispness and natural sweetness. Finally, take the asparagus out and let it drain before cooking.

Step 3: Stir-frying the squid and asparagus

Place a pan on the stove, add 4 tablespoons of cooking oil to heat up, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant for about 5 minutes. When the garlic turns golden, add the prepared squid and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, then add the asparagus and toss evenly.

Next, season with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of MSG, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Toss well for about 5 minutes so the squid and asparagus absorb the spices. Adjust seasonings to taste, then turn off the heat and plate the dish to serve.

Step 4 – Final product and tasting

The finished stir-fried squid with asparagus has a harmonious color featuring crisp white squid bodies, vibrant green asparagus pieces, and a light layer of seasoning coating the outside. The squid is tender yet firm, naturally sweet, and not chewy; the asparagus is lightly crisp, fragrant, and retains its signature sweetness.

Arrange the dish on a plate, sprinkle a little ground pepper on top, and enjoy while hot. This dish goes great with white rice, or you can serve it with garlic chili fish sauce if you prefer a richer flavor.

Secrets to stir-frying squid and asparagus without watery release while keeping a snappy crunch

To make a delicious stir-fry that isn’t soggy, you need to properly control the pan temperature and cooking time. Some simple tips below will help the squid and asparagus maintain their best texture:

• Stir-fry over high heat: High heat cooks the ingredients quickly, allows released moisture to evaporate fast, and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
• Toss quickly: Do not let the squid or asparagus sit in the pan for too long. Continuous tossing helps the ingredients cook evenly without overcooking.
• Stir-fry each ingredient separately: The squid should be briefly stir-fried and removed first, then stir-fry the asparagus. Finally, combine both ingredients together to avoid making the squid chewy.
• Ensure ingredients are completely drained: Squid and asparagus retaining too much water will rapidly lower the pan temperature, making the dish prone to releasing excess liquid.
• Do not use too many liquid seasonings: Fish sauce, oyster sauce, and liquid seasonings should be used in moderation so the dish is flavorful without becoming watery.
• Control cooking time: The squid only needs to be cooked until just done, while the asparagus should only be cooked to a tender-crisp stage. Cooking too long will cause both ingredients to lose their appeal.

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Frequently asked questions when making stir-fried squid with asparagus

Is it necessary to boil asparagus before stir-frying or can it be stir-fried directly?

It is not strictly mandatory to boil asparagus before stir-frying. However, you should blanch it briefly for about 1 minute and immediately submerge it in ice water to help the asparagus keep a vibrant green color and uniform crispness. For young, thin asparagus, you can also stir-fry them directly over high heat to save time. If using asparagus with thicker stalks, a brief blanching helps them quickly reach the right level of doneness when stir-fried.

How to cut asparagus to avoid fibrous and tough parts?

You should cut off the tough woody ends at the bottom of the stalks because these are usually the most fibrous and hard parts. Then, cut the asparagus into bite-sized lengths, and you can cut them diagonally so the pieces absorb spices better. For stalks with older outer layers, you can use a knife to peel off the thin outer skin at the lower portion before cutting. Do not cut away too much of the stalk to avoid wasting the tender and crispy parts.

What ingredients can be combined with stir-fried squid and asparagus?

Stir-fried squid with asparagus can be combined with many ingredients to enhance color and flavor. You can add shiitake mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, onions, or baby corn according to your preference. If you want a lighter dish, prioritize mushrooms and vegetables with natural sweetness. When combining multiple ingredients, prep and stir-fry longer-cooking components separately so the dish doesn’t release water and maintains its crunch.

With this how to make stir-fried squid with asparagus guide, you can easily prepare a crispy, sweet, light yet flavorful dish for your family meals. If you want to change things up with delicious dishes made from dried squid, you can check out products at Ola Squid to choose the right squid type and discover even more appealing cooking methods!