If you are looking for the best squid recipe then this will be it! Wok Inn Squid is a famous dish from the famous restaurant in Malate called Wok Inn, a simple deep fried lightly coated squid stuffed with chives then served on a savoury sweet sauce.
Many years ago, when I was just starting my blog, one of the first ones that I recreated based on a dish we tried on a restaurant was this Signature dish from Wok Inn. My experience with cooking that time was not yet as refined as it is today so I was not really particular with the ingredients back then, moving to today’s time, I think my palate was already trained enough, even the minute amount of spice or the smallest quantity ingredient on a dish, most of the times I can taste and notice. As I progress with this hobby one thing, I noticed is that when I cooked my own version of Wok Inn Squid for the first time it was fantastic and it tasted like the real stuff until that palate developed and as I continue to prepare this dish once in a while, I felt there is something different, until I realised one of the key ingredients was wrong. Chives was the right one to use instead of spring onions. Chives is not a popular herb or vegetable here in NZ hence they are rarely seen in the supermarket, but after one visit to an Asian grocer there was one instance that they have chives on the vegetable section, as I grabbed one and tried using them at home, I realised it was the missing link to my favourite recipe.
Today I will recreate this recipe, now I can call it copycat rather than Spring Onion Stuffed Squid becuase this now tastes like the ones I tried before, with a milder an onion-y taste, definitely much milder than spring onions, the stuffing inside does not compete with the squid taste but rather complements it.
Wok Inn Squid is a famous dish from the famous restaurant in Malate called Wok Inn, a simple deep fried lightly coated squid stuffed with chives then served on a savoury sweet sauce.
Stuff enough chives on the cavity of each squid then close the ends with a toothpick.
Dredge squid in cornstarch then deep fry each squid for 3 minutes, do not overcook squid will become tough.
While waiting for the squid to cook, prepare your sauce. In a sauce pan heat oil then sauté garlic and ginger in low heat.
In a bowl combine remaining Soy Glaze Sauce ingredients, mix it well making sure it is free of lumps.
Pour mixture in a sauce pan, bring it to a boil them simmer in medium heat until sauce had reduced and it thick in consistency. Turn heat off then set it aside.
Once all of the squid are cooked, remove from fryer score the squid, remove the toothpicks then pour sauce on top and sprinkle some fried garlic.
Chives are one of those things I grow every year, so I always have an abundance for abut half the year (and certainly have access to them any time). So your timing is perfect for me! This looks like such an interesting dish. And I don’t use squid nearly enough in my cooking. Good stuff — thanks.
This is a pretty impressive copycat recipe! I stuffed some small squid ages ago and it was wonderful but I didn’t write down what I did 🙁 Hooray for blogging and getting the recipes down in writing!
I do love chives – they grow easily here and they come back each year, so I always have a steady supply in the garden! I’m not familiar with cooking squid as it’s not in our usual lineup here. It needs to be though – this looks fantastic!!
This looks really great. So, when can I come over for the dinner, Raymund?
Gorgeous! We can’t get such giant squids here though, all very small. I would buy if they are around palm size – my girl loves squids!
Chives are one of those things I grow every year, so I always have an abundance for abut half the year (and certainly have access to them any time). So your timing is perfect for me! This looks like such an interesting dish. And I don’t use squid nearly enough in my cooking. Good stuff — thanks.
This is a pretty impressive copycat recipe! I stuffed some small squid ages ago and it was wonderful but I didn’t write down what I did 🙁 Hooray for blogging and getting the recipes down in writing!
I’ve never seen squid served like that – so beautiful and elegant. And I bet ultra tasty, too!
★★★★★
ooh yum this looks so delicious raymund! I love chives and the sauce sounds wonderful.
I do love chives – they grow easily here and they come back each year, so I always have a steady supply in the garden! I’m not familiar with cooking squid as it’s not in our usual lineup here. It needs to be though – this looks fantastic!!
★★★★★
What a striking dish, Raymund! And I love the flavors here, especially the chives. Definitely a keeper.