Spicy Sizzling Squid (Sisig na Pusit)

southeast asian asian philippines squid seafood dinner lime juice sesame oil vinegar chile pepper hot pepper dairy free wheat/gluten-free

Marvin Gapultos

3–4 servings

Source

Ingredients

1 lb (500 g) cleaned fresh squid tubes and tentacles

3 tablespoons fresh calamansi (or lime) juice

1 tablespoon dark Filipino cane vinegar (sukang iloco)

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 large shallot, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 or 2 Thai chili peppers, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced

1 tablespoon salmon roe, plus more for serving (optional)

2 tablespoons crushed prawn crackers

Halved calamansi limes (or lime wedges), for serving

Method

Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot set over high heat. Meanwhile, cut the squid tubes into 1/2-inch (1 cm) rings. Blanch all of the squid rings and tentacles in the boiling water for 10 seconds. Drain immediately in a large colander set in the sink and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the calamansi juice, vinegar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Add the drained squid to the bowl and toss well to combine. Set bowl aside.

Place a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the canola oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the hot pan. Add the shallot, garlic and chili peppers and cook until the garlic just begins to brown, about 30 seconds. Stir in the squid and all of the liquid from the bowl and continue to cook for 1 minute more, until the squid is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then scatter the green onions, salmon roe and crushed prawn crackers on top of the squid.

Remove from the heat and serve immediately in the pan while still sizzling. Offer calamansi limes alongside for squeezing, with additional salmon roe if desired. Enjoy with rice or serve with whole prawn crackers for scooping the sisig nacho-style.