Stir-Fried Squid is a popular Thai seafood dish featuring tender squid quickly cooked with garlic, fresh vegetables, and a savory oyster sauce-based seasoning. This simple yet flavorful dish is commonly found in Thai restaurants and seaside eateries, where fresh seafood is abundant.

The secret to great Stir-Fried Squid is cooking the squid quickly over high heat to keep it tender and juicy while allowing the vegetables and sauces to create a delicious balance of flavors.

What Is Stir-Fried Squid?

Stir-Fried Squid, known in Thailand as Pla Muek Pad Nam Man Hoi, combines fresh squid with colorful vegetables and a rich oyster sauce. The dish is lightly seasoned to highlight the natural sweetness of the squid while adding aromatic garlic and fresh herbs.

It is often served with steamed jasmine rice and enjoyed as a quick lunch or family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Tender and flavorful seafood
  • Authentic Thai restaurant-style dish
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Perfect with steamed rice
  • Rich in protein and low in fat

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

  • 500g fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup baby corn, sliced
  • 2 spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water or seafood stock
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced red chili
  • Lime wedges

Preparation Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty Level: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Squid

Clean the squid thoroughly.

Remove the skin, cartilage, and ink sac if present.

Slice the body into rings and cut the tentacles into bite-sized pieces.

Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Sugar
  • Water or seafood stock
  • White pepper

Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.

Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Add the sliced onion and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add:

  • Red bell pepper
  • Green bell pepper
  • Baby corn

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Add the Squid

Add the squid rings and tentacles.

Stir-fry for 2 minutes over high heat.

The squid will turn opaque and curl slightly as it cooks.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the wok.

Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until the squid is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Add spring onions and stir for 30 seconds.

Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking the squid.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Garlic fried rice
  • Thai fried rice
  • Stir-fried vegetables

Garnish with:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced red chilies
  • Lime wedges

Chef's Tips

Do Not Overcook the Squid

Squid cooks very quickly. Overcooking can make it tough and chewy.

Use High Heat

A hot wok helps maintain the squid's tender texture and creates a light smoky flavor.

Use Fresh Squid

Fresh squid provides the best flavor and texture.

Add Extra Vegetables

Popular additions include:

  • Mushrooms
  • Snow peas
  • Carrots
  • Bok choy
  • Celery

Variations

Spicy Thai Basil Squid

Add:

  • Fresh Thai basil leaves
  • Bird's eye chilies

For a spicy and aromatic version.

Garlic Pepper Squid

Increase garlic and add freshly cracked black pepper for a bold flavor.

Seafood Combination Stir-Fry

Combine squid with:

  • Shrimp
  • Mussels
  • Scallops

For a deluxe seafood dish.

Chili Paste Squid

Add Thai chili paste for a richer and slightly spicy sauce.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as squid may become rubbery after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat quickly in a hot wok or skillet for 1–2 minutes.

Avoid prolonged reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Final Thoughts

Stir-Fried Squid is a classic Thai seafood dish that combines tender squid, crisp vegetables, and a savory oyster sauce-based seasoning in a quick and delicious stir-fry. Simple to prepare yet packed with authentic Thai flavors, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a healthy and satisfying meal. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice for a true taste of Thailand.