Description
A massive Taiwanese Re Chao (tavern) staple rapid-frying squid—finely scored (pinecone cut) and curled in hot water—with crisp celery, garlic, and chili.
Restaurants serving Stir-fried Squid with Celery
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Squid (Flying squid
- etc.)
- Celery
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red chili
- White pepper
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- [Squid Prep (Lifeblood)] Peel thick flying squid (or kisslip cuttlefish), score the inside diagonally in a fine crosshatch pattern (pinecone cut).
- Cut bite-sized, blanch briefly in boiling water for 'just a few seconds'. When the squid curls from the heat into a beautiful pinecone shape, pull it out instantly (makes it plump).
- Julienne Taiwanese celery (Qin Cai: thinner and more aromatic than Japanese), carrots, ginger.
- Heat oil in a wok, fragrantly sauté minced garlic, ginger, red chili.
- Add celery and carrots, sauté briefly, dump in blanched squid.
- Add a little soy sauce, salt, white pepper, rice wine; toss violently on high for 'just dozens of seconds'.
- Drizzle sesame oil at the end, remove from heat quickly while celery retains crispness.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Celery freshness、White pepper、and Garlic punch
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Japanese celery (weaker aroma, so use more)
Pairing
Ice-cold Taiwan Beer exclusively
Trivia
[For Everyone] One of the Big Three stir-fries on Taiwanese tavern menus alongside Hakka Xiaochao and Scallion Beef. Squid bounce and celery aroma match abnormally well; the 'Wok Hei' born from high-heat frying pushes appetite to the limit. A dish demanding infinite beer.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Toss the squid meat—its scores packed with 'garlic and soy umami'—into your mouth along with crisp celery, enjoying the plump! crisp! rhythm!
Allergen
Squid, Soy, Wheat (from soy sauce), Sesame