Spicy Squid in Padang Sauce: The Fiery Recipe That Keeps You Coming Back

When it comes to Indonesian cuisine, Padang food holds a special place in the hearts of many food lovers. Famous for its bold flavors, rich spices, and fiery heat, dishes from Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, offer a gastronomic adventure like no other. One such iconic dish is "Spicy Squid in Padang Sauce", a tantalizing recipe that’s sure to keep you coming back for more. Combining the tender texture of squid with the rich, spicy, and tangy Padang sauce, this dish is a must-try for any fan of Indonesian food.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, cooking process, and tips to perfect your Spicy Squid in Padang Sauce. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this fiery dish will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Let’s get started!

What is Padang Sauce?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Padang sauce so special. This sauce is the cornerstone of many Minang (the ethnic group from West Sumatra) dishes. It is famous for its bold, spicy, and rich flavors, thanks to the generous use of chili peppers, coconut milk, lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, and other native spices. These ingredients come together to create a sauce that is both spicy and creamy, with a depth of flavor that lingers long after the meal is over.

Padang sauce is often found in dishes like rendang, gulai, and balado, but it can also be used to elevate seafood dishes like squid. The sweetness of the squid balances perfectly with the spicy and creamy Padang sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.

Why Squid?

Squid, known as cumi-cumi in Indonesian, is a popular seafood ingredient in the country. Its slightly sweet, tender flesh contrasts beautifully with the bold, spicy sauce. Squid also cooks quickly, making it an ideal ingredient for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal in a short amount of time. Plus, squid is packed with nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B12 and B6, making it not only tasty but also healthy.

One of the key things to keep in mind when cooking squid is not to overcook it. Squid can become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long. The trick is to cook it just until it’s tender, which usually only takes a few minutes.

The Ingredients

For this Spicy Squid in Padang Sauce recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

500 grams of fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
2 tablespoons of cooking oil (preferably coconut or vegetable oil)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
5 shallots, finely chopped
2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
5 kaffir lime leaves
2 cm of galangal, bruised
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
5-6 red bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
2 large red chilies, sliced
200 ml of coconut milk
1 tablespoon of tamarind paste (optional)
2 teaspoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):

5 red chilies
4 shallots
2 cloves of garlic
1 cm of ginger
1 cm of turmeric (or use turmeric powder)
1 teaspoon of shrimp paste (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Squid

Start by cleaning the squid. Remove the innards, cartilage, and ink sac, then rinse the squid thoroughly under cold water. Once cleaned, slice the squid into rings. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, as this helps the squid cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming too watery.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus)

The spice paste is the heart of any Padang dish. Using a blender or a mortar and pestle, grind the ingredients for the spice paste (bumbu halus) until smooth. This mixture of red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and shrimp paste will form the base of the flavorful Padang sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing them until fragrant and golden brown. This step releases the aroma of the aromatics, enhancing the depth of flavor in the dish.

Next, add the bruised lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric powder. Sauté these spices for a few more minutes until their fragrances are released. These ingredients add a distinctive citrusy aroma and warmth to the dish, which are signature notes in Padang cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Squid

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced squid to the pan. Stir-fry the squid for 1-2 minutes, or until it starts to turn opaque. Be careful not to overcook the squid at this stage, as it will cook further when you add the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Coconut Milk and Chilies

Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine it with the sautéed aromatics and squid. Add the finely chopped bird’s eye chilies and large red chilies. The coconut milk helps to balance the spiciness of the dish, creating a creamy and rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender squid.

Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating.

Step 6: Season and Finish the Sauce

Add the tamarind paste (if using), sugar, and salt to taste. The tamarind adds a hint of tanginess to the dish, which complements the heat of the chilies and the richness of the coconut milk. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more sugar or salt depending on your preference.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once the squid is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the Spicy Squid in Padang Sauce to a serving plate and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve this fiery dish with steamed white rice or nasi uduk (Indonesian fragrant coconut rice) to soak up all the flavorful sauce. You can also pair it with other traditional Padang side dishes like sambal lado (spicy chili sauce) or sayur nangka (young jackfruit curry) for a complete Padang-style meal.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Spicy Squid in Padang Sauce

Don’t Overcook the Squid: Squid cooks very quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Overcooked squid can become rubbery and tough. Ideally, squid should be cooked for just 2-3 minutes until tender.
Adjust the Spiciness: The heat level of this dish can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies. For those who love a serious kick, feel free to add more!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh squid and spices will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. If possible, use fresh chilies, garlic, and lime leaves for the best results.
Balance the Flavors: Padang cuisine is all about balancing spicy, sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Don’t be afraid to tweak the seasoning as you cook – taste as you go!

The Allure of Padang Cuisine

Padang cuisine is famous not only in Indonesia but also across Southeast Asia and beyond. The complex blend of spices, the bold use of chilies, and the rich, creamy textures make it a favorite for food enthusiasts who love heat and flavor-packed dishes. The Spicy Squid in Padang Sauce is a perfect example of how these elements come together to create something truly special.

With this recipe, you can bring the flavors of West Sumatra into your kitchen and enjoy a fiery feast that will keep you coming back for more. So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of Padang cuisine in every bite.

Conclusion

Spicy Squid in Padang Sauce is a dish that combines the ocean’s bounty with the robust flavors of Indonesia’s beloved Padang cuisine. Its tantalizing combination of heat, spice, and creaminess will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to try something new, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Perfect for family meals or special occasions, it’s a dish that delivers both on flavor and satisfaction

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