Spicy Garlic Pusit

Dive into a burst of flavours with this Filipino favourite! Tender and juicy, it’s the perfect dish to spice up your meal. #FilipinoFoodLovers ️ Tender squid in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce made with garlic, chili, oyster sauce, banana ketchup, and butter. Perfect with rice or as an appetizer.

If you love Filipino cuisine and seafood, then Spicy Garlic Pusit is one dish that needs to be on your radar. It’s one of those dishes that’s packed with flavour and yet so easy to prepare, making it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or even a special gathering with friends. Whether served as a main dish alongside steaming hot rice or as a tasty pulutan (appetizer) with drinks, Spicy Garlic Pusit is a sure crowd-pleaser.

Squid, or pusit as we call it in the Philippines, is quite popular in Filipino households. Its versatility and tender texture make it the perfect canvas for bold flavours. For this dish, the squid is blanched briefly to ensure it stays tender, and then it’s tossed in a rich and flavourful sauce made with garlic, chili, oyster sauce, banana ketchup, and butter. The result? A savoury, sweet, and spicy squid dish that hits all the right notes.

The secret to the magic of Spicy Garlic Pusit lies in its sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of Filipino flavours—garlic for its aromatic punch, chilies for that spicy kick, oyster sauce for a deep umami flavour, and banana ketchup, which brings sweetness and a unique Filipino twist. The banana ketchup adds a delightful contrast to the savoury oyster sauce, and the butter gives the dish a rich, creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully. The sauce is bold and indulgent, yet still light enough to not overpower the squid’s natural taste.

One thing I absolutely love about this dish is the versatility it offers. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference—add more chilies if you’re a spice lover like me, or tone it down if you prefer something milder. And if you’re a fan of sweet-savoury flavours, you can always add a touch more banana ketchup or even a pinch of sugar to balance out the savoury notes. It’s a dish that allows you to make it your own while still staying true to its delicious roots.

Cooking squid can be tricky because it tends to become rubbery if overcooked. But in Spicy Garlic Pusit, the squid is blanched just briefly—only for a minute—so that it stays perfectly tender. After that, it’s simmered gently in the sauce, just long enough to soak up all the delicious flavours without losing its tenderness. The result is squid that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavour.

This dish is more than just about taste—it’s an experience. The moment the garlic hits the hot butter, you’re treated to an aroma that’s both irresistible and comforting. The vibrant colours of the dish, with the bright red chilies, golden garlic, and fresh green spring onions, make it just as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. It’s a dish that engages all your senses.

Whether you’re looking to add a new seafood recipe to your repertoire or you’re craving a bold and exciting Filipino dish, Spicy Garlic Pusit is the answer. Serve it with rice for a satisfying meal or enjoy it as a pulutan with friends—it’s bound to be a hit either way. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Spicy Garlic Pusit

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Raymund
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 3 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Filipino

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Description

Tender squid in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce made with garlic, chili, oyster sauce, banana ketchup, and butter. Perfect with rice or as an appetizer.

 

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Squid

• 700 g baby squid, scored
• water, for blanching

Sauce

• 1 whole garlic, crushed
• 2 red chillies, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 3 tbsp banana ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/3 cup water, from blanching the squid
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 60 g butter

Garnish

• crunchy garlic
• chilli garlic oil
• chopped spring onion

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Instructions

1. Bring enough water to boil in a pot for blanching. Add the scored baby squid and blanch for 1 minute. Immediately remove the squid and set aside to prevent overcooking.
2. In a wok, melt butter over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
3. Stir in the oyster sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, and chopped red chili, allowing the mixture to cook together.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/3 cup of the squid blanching water, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the wok, bringing it to a boil, then reducing to a simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5. Add the blanched squid to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the squid is tender and fully cooked.
6. Transfer the Spicy Garlic Pusit to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped spring onions and crunchy garlic and serve with chili garlic oil on the side for an extra spicy kick.

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This Spicy Garlic Pusit is a delicious and vibrant Filipino dish, packed with tender squid bathed in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce. The combination of garlic, chili, and butter brings rich layers of flavour, making it a perfect dish to enjoy with rice or as a pulutan (appetizer) for your next gathering.