Description
A simple and flavorful stir-fry with squid, Chinese celery and pineapples. This classic Vietnamese side dish goes perfectly with steamed rice and comes together in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 14 oz frozen squid (cleaned and scored)
- 5 oz Chinese celery
- 2 cucumbers (I'm using Persian cucumbers)
- Half yellow onion (peel; slice into wedges)
- 3 large garlic cloves (peel; make thick slices)
- 2 Persian cucumbers (slice at a diagonal)
- 5 oz pineapples (cut into small chunks)
- 1 large tomato (cut into wedges)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (I'm using vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (I'm using 3 Crabs brand)
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the squid, celery and cucumbers: Thaw the frozen cooked squid quickly by rinsing it with a bit of warm water, then drain well and set aside. Wash and cut the Chinese celery into large 2-inch segments. Halve the stems if they are too bulky. Set the Chinese celery aside. Peel the cucumber in alternating strips (optional, for a decorative look), then slice at a bias into thick pieces.
- Sauté the aromatics: Pan frying the yellow onion wedges and garlic slivers. In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add pineapples and tomatoes: Toss in the pineapple and tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they soften slightly. Add pineapples and tomatoes. If you have kids who absolutely do not like tomatoes like mine, cook the tomatoes down until they’re wilted so they blend into the sauce.
- Add the squid: Stir in the cooked squid and pan fry for about 1 minute or if using raw squid for about 2-3 minutes until they just turn white. Liquid will release which will add to the sauce.
- Finish: Add Chinese celery (bulky stems) and cucumbers. Cook for about 2 minutes then season with fish sauce and sugar, a little at a time to taste. Turn off the heat and add the celery tops. Give everything a quick toss to lightly cook the tops. Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese