We’ve always been captivated by the bold flavors of Thai cuisine, and our Calamari Thai Recipe captures that magic perfectly. This dish transforms simple squid into a tantalizing treat with aromatic herbs and spicy kicks that transport you straight to Bangkok’s bustling streets.
In our kitchen we blend fresh calamari with classic Thai elements like lemongrass and chili making it an easy yet impressive meal for weeknights or gatherings. Whether you’re a seafood lover or new to Thai cooking you’ll find this recipe irresistible.
Ingredients
In our Calamari Thai Recipe, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the bold, aromatic essence of Thai street food. These elements transform simple squid into a flavorful dish with zesty lemongrass, fiery chilis, and balanced herbs, ensuring every bite is an explosion of taste and texture.
To prepare this recipe, we recommend sourcing the best ingredients and prepping them as noted. Below is a detailed list, ordered by how they’ll be used in the cooking process—from the main protein to aromatics, sauces, and garnishes.
- Fresh Calamari: 500g, cleaned and sliced into 1-inch rings – We start with tender squid as the base, offering a mild, seafood flavor that absorbs the Thai spices beautifully.
- Lemongrass: 2 stalks, finely chopped – Next, this aromatic herb infuses a bright, citrusy punch that evokes the streets of Bangkok.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – We use this early for its pungent, savory depth that builds the recipe’s foundation.
- Fresh Chili Peppers: 3-4, such as Thai bird’s eye, thinly sliced – These add a fiery heat; adjust based on your spice preference for that authentic Thai kick.
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated – Followed by this for a warm, peppery note that enhances the overall aroma.
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: 5 leaves, torn – We incorporate these for their distinctive, tangy fragrance that brightens the dish.
- Fish Sauce: 2 tablespoons – A staple in Thai cooking, we add this for its umami-rich saltiness that ties flavors together.
- Lime Juice: From 2 limes – Used later for a fresh, acidic balance that cuts through the richness.
- Coconut Milk: 200ml – This provides a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to mellow the spices.
- Fresh Basil and Cilantro: 1 cup combined, roughly chopped – We finish with these herbs for a burst of green, herbaceous freshness.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons – Essential for stir-frying, ensuring the ingredients cook evenly without sticking.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon – Added towards the end for a touch of sweetness that harmonizes the savory and spicy elements.
| Servings | Calamari (g) | Lemongrass (stalks) | Fish Sauce (tbsp) | Total Prep Time Adjustment (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 250 | 1 | 1 | +5 |
| 4 | 500 | 2 | 2 | +10 |
| 6 | 750 | 3 | 3 | +15 |
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our flavorful Calamari Thai Recipe with precision and ease, we rely on essential tools that enhance efficiency and safety in the kitchen. Drawing from the fresh ingredients we’ve gathered—such as fresh calamari and lemongrass—selecting the right equipment ensures seamless transitions from prep to cooking.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools and equipment, organized by the sequence of use in the recipe process:
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board is crucial for safely cleaning and slicing the calamari and herbs like lemongrass and garlic. We recommend a large wooden or plastic one to handle multiple ingredients without cross-contamination.
- Sharp Knife: Opt for a sharp chef’s knife or a dedicated filleting knife to precisely cut the calamari into rings and chop fresh chili peppers and ginger. A well-sharpened blade minimizes effort and prevents tearing delicate seafood.
- Wok or Large Skillet: The heart of Thai cooking, a wok provides even heat distribution for stir-frying the calamari with aromatic spices. If unavailable, a 12-inch nonstick skillet works as a substitute to achieve that signature Thai sear.
- Mixing Bowls: Use at least two medium-sized stainless steel or glass mixing bowls—one for marinating the calamari in lime juice and fish sauce, and another for combining herbs like basil and cilantro.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for balancing flavors in our recipe, so we suggest a set of standard measuring cups and spoons to portion out ingredients like coconut milk and brown sugar precisely.
- Tongs or Wooden Spatula: These are essential for tossing and flipping the calamari during cooking to ensure even browning without breaking the pieces. A pair of heat-resistant tongs offers better control for high-heat stir-frying.
- Colander or Strainer: A fine-mesh colander helps rinse and drain the calamari effectively, removing excess water to prevent splattering in the wok.
For recipes involving Thai elements like pounding spices, optional tools include:
- Mortar and Pestle: If you’re aiming for authentic texture, a traditional mortar and pestle can crush kaffir lime leaves and chilies, releasing their oils for maximum flavor infusion.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process and focus on creating a dish that captures the vibrant, bold tastes of Thai street food.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting this vibrant Calamari Thai Recipe step by step to deliver bold Thai flavors with minimal effort.
Prep
Before cooking our Calamari Thai Recipe, we focus on preparing the ingredients to ensure everything is fresh and ready for the wok. This step sets the stage for the dish’s aromatic herbs and spices to shine.
- Start with the calamari: Rinse 1 pound of fresh calamari under cold water to remove any grit then pat it dry with paper towels. Slice the tubes into ½-inch rings and leave the tentacles whole for added texture we love in Thai street food.
- Prepare the aromatics: Finely chop 3 stalks of lemongrass, removing the tough outer layers first, and mince 4 cloves of garlic. Slice 2 fresh chili peppers—Thai bird’s eye chiles work best for that authentic heat—and grate 1 tablespoon of ginger to release their pungent oils that will infuse the dish.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup fish sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 5 torn kaffir lime leaves. Stir until the sugar dissolves creating a balanced sweet-salty-tangy base that captures the essence of Thai cuisine.
- Chop the herbs: Roughly chop ½ cup fresh basil and ½ cup cilantro leaves, keeping them separate so their bright, herbaceous notes stay vibrant and ready to garnish at the end.
This preparation takes about 15-20 minutes and ensures our Calamari Thai Recipe comes together seamlessly with minimal interruptions during cooking.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move to cooking our Calamari Thai Recipe, where the calamari turns tender and absorbs the spicy, citrusy flavors in a sizzling stir-fry.
- Heat the wok: Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that evokes Bangkok’s streets.
- Add the calamari: Toss in the calamari rings and tentacles, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and begin to curl. Be careful not to overcook at this stage—overcooking can make the calamari rubbery, so we aim for that perfect tender bite.
- Incorporate the sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the calamari in a creamy, flavorful glaze that highlights the dish’s bold Thai essence.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil and cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous lift. The calamari should be tender with a slight crunch, paired with the spicy-sweet sauce for an explosion of flavors and textures we know you’ll savor.
| Servings | Calamari (pounds) | Sauce Ingredients (multiplier) | Prep Time (minutes) | Cook Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | 1x | 15-20 | 10-15 |
| 6 | 1.5 | 1.5x | 20-25 | 12-18 |
| 8 | 2 | 2x | 25-30 | 15-20 |
Conclusion
We’ve shared how this Calamari Thai Recipe brings bold Thai flavors right to your kitchen. It’s a simple way to impress friends or enjoy a tasty meal at home.
We encourage you to experiment with it and make it your own—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Dive in and savor the authentic taste we’ve highlighted throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients in the Calamari Thai Recipe?
The main ingredients include fresh calamari, lemongrass, garlic, fresh chili peppers, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, lime juice, coconut milk, fresh basil, cilantro, vegetable oil, and brown sugar. These fresh, high-quality items blend to create authentic Thai flavors, making the dish vibrant and easy to prepare at home.
How long does it take to prepare and cook the Calamari Thai Recipe?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, including rinsing and slicing calamari, chopping herbs, and mixing the sauce. Cooking involves quick stir-frying, typically 5-10 minutes, for a total time of around 25-30 minutes. Adjust for portion sizes to ensure tender, flavorful results.
What tools and equipment are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need a sturdy cutting board, sharp knife, wok or large skillet, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, tongs or a wooden spatula, and a colander. A mortar and pestle is optional for authentic texture. These tools help ensure safe and efficient preparation of this Thai-inspired dish.
Is the Calamari Thai Recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s accessible for newcomers to Thai cooking. The article provides simple step-by-step instructions, a clear ingredient list, and tips for using fresh items. With basic kitchen skills, you can create an impressive meal that captures Bangkok’s street food essence without overwhelming complexity.
How can I adjust the recipe for different portion sizes or dietary needs?
Scale ingredients based on your serving size; for example, double everything for four people. For dietary adjustments, use low-sodium fish sauce or substitute chili for milder options. The recipe emphasizes fresh ingredients, so adapt herbs and spices to preferences while maintaining the bold Thai flavors.