Oseng Cumi: Delicious & Easy Squid Stir-Fry Recipe

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 51 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into a super tasty and easy recipe? Today, we're making oseng cumi, a flavorful Indonesian squid stir-fry that's guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. It’s packed with aromatic spices, savory flavors, and the delightful chewiness of squid. Trust me, once you try this, it'll become a regular on your menu. So, let’s get started and make some magic in the kitchen!

What is Oseng Cumi?

Oseng cumi is a popular Indonesian dish that features squid (cumi in Indonesian) stir-fried with a medley of spices, herbs, and sometimes vegetables. The term oseng refers to the stir-frying technique, which involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat while constantly stirring. This method ensures that the squid remains tender and doesn't become rubbery. What makes oseng cumi so special is its vibrant flavor profile – a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes that come from the combination of ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, shallots, ginger, and sweet soy sauce. The dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add other seafood like shrimp or clams, or include vegetables like green beans, carrots, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.

Traditionally, oseng cumi is enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, often served with warm rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. It's a staple in many Indonesian households and restaurants, loved for its simplicity and bold flavors. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, oseng cumi is a fantastic dish to try, as it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The key to a perfect oseng cumi lies in the preparation of the squid and the balance of spices. So, let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need and the steps to create this amazing dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make authentic and flavorful oseng cumi, you'll need a combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:

Fresh Squid (Cumi): 500g, cleaned and cut into rings. Make sure the squid is fresh; it should have a firm texture and a mild, ocean-like smell. Avoid squid that smells overly fishy or ammonia-like. Cleaning the squid involves removing the head, tentacles, quill (a transparent, plastic-like structure), and the innards. Rinse the squid thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry before cutting it into rings.
Shallots: 6 cloves, thinly sliced. Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which adds depth to the dish. If you don't have shallots, you can substitute them with red onions, but use them sparingly as they have a stronger flavor.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is a staple in Indonesian cuisine and provides a pungent and aromatic base for the oseng cumi. Mincing the garlic ensures that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Red Chili Peppers: 3-5, sliced (adjust to your spice preference). Chili peppers add heat to the oseng cumi, and you can adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes before slicing the peppers. You can also use different types of chili peppers, such as bird's eye chili for extra heat or jalapeños for a milder kick.
Green Chili Peppers: 2-3, sliced (optional, for added flavor and color). Green chili peppers offer a slightly different flavor profile compared to red chili peppers, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. They are also less spicy than red chili peppers, making them a good option for those who prefer a milder flavor.
Ginger: 1-inch piece, peeled and thinly sliced or crushed. Ginger adds a warm and spicy note to the oseng cumi, enhancing its overall flavor. You can slice the ginger thinly or crush it for a more intense flavor. Crushing the ginger releases its aromatic oils, which infuses the dish with a deeper flavor.
Galangal (Lengkuas): 1-inch piece, peeled and crushed (optional, for authentic flavor). Galangal is a rhizome similar to ginger but with a more citrusy and earthy flavor. It's a common ingredient in Indonesian cuisine and adds a unique depth of flavor to the oseng cumi. If you can't find galangal, you can omit it, but it's worth seeking out for a more authentic taste.
Bay Leaves (Daun Salam): 2-3 leaves (for aromatic flavor). Bay leaves are used to infuse the oseng cumi with a subtle, aromatic flavor. They add a hint of sweetness and complexity to the dish. Make sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.
Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): 2-3 tablespoons (for sweetness and color). Sweet soy sauce is a thick, dark, and sweet Indonesian soy sauce that adds a rich flavor and color to the oseng cumi. It's an essential ingredient in many Indonesian dishes and can be found in most Asian grocery stores. If you can't find sweet soy sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular soy sauce and brown sugar or molasses.
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (for savory flavor). Oyster sauce adds a savory and umami flavor to the oseng cumi, enhancing its overall taste. It's made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, and other seasonings. If you're vegetarian or allergic to shellfish, you can omit it or substitute it with mushroom sauce.
Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (for acidity and brightness). Lime juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the oseng cumi, balancing the sweetness and spiciness of the other ingredients. It also helps to tenderize the squid. You can use fresh lime juice or bottled lime juice, but fresh is always better.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (to balance the flavors). A pinch of sugar helps to balance the flavors of the oseng cumi, rounding out the spiciness and acidity of the other ingredients. You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or palm sugar, depending on your preference.
Salt: To taste (for seasoning). Salt is used to season the oseng cumi and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Add salt gradually, tasting as you go, until the dish is perfectly seasoned.
Vegetable Oil: 2-3 tablespoons (for stir-frying). Vegetable oil is used to stir-fry the ingredients in the oseng cumi. Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering oseng cumi:

Prepare the Squid: Ensure your squid is cleaned and cut into rings. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the squid to sear properly in the pan.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, sliced red chili peppers, sliced green chili peppers (if using), ginger, and galangal (if using). Sauté until fragrant and the shallots turn golden brown. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add Bay Leaves: Throw in the bay leaves and continue to sauté for another minute to release their aroma. The bay leaves add a subtle, sweet fragrance that complements the other spices.
Cook the Squid: Increase the heat to high and add the squid rings to the pan. Stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes, or until the squid turns opaque and slightly curls up. Avoid overcooking the squid, as it can become rubbery. The key is to cook it quickly over high heat.
Add Sauces and Seasoning: Pour in the sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine and coat the squid evenly with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more sweet soy sauce for sweetness, lime juice for acidity, or salt for overall flavor.
Simmer Briefly: Reduce the heat to medium and let the oseng cumi simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the squid beautifully.
Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Transfer the oseng cumi to a serving plate and garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced scallions, if desired. Serve immediately with warm rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite a delight.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Oseng Cumi

To ensure your oseng cumi turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips and tricks:

Use Fresh Squid: Fresh squid makes a world of difference in terms of flavor and texture. Look for squid that is firm, white, and has a mild, ocean-like smell. Avoid squid that looks slimy or smells fishy.
Don't Overcook the Squid: Overcooking is the biggest mistake people make when cooking squid. Squid cooks very quickly, and it can become rubbery if cooked for too long. Aim for a cooking time of just 2-3 minutes over high heat.
Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and prevent you from overcooking the squid while you're busy chopping vegetables.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the chili peppers before slicing them. You can also use milder varieties of chili peppers.
Use a Hot Wok or Pan: Cooking the oseng cumi in a hot wok or pan ensures that the squid sears properly and doesn't stick to the surface. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the ingredients.
Add Other Seafood or Vegetables: Feel free to add other seafood like shrimp or clams to the oseng cumi. You can also add vegetables like green beans, carrots, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Marinate the Squid (Optional): For extra flavor, you can marinate the squid for 15-20 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of soy sauce, lime juice, and ginger can work wonders.
Serve Immediately: Oseng cumi is best served immediately while it's still hot and the squid is tender. If you need to reheat it, do so gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the squid.

Variations and Add-ons

The beauty of oseng cumi is its versatility. Here are some exciting variations and add-ons to try:

Oseng Cumi Pete: Add pete (stinky beans) for a unique and pungent flavor. Pete is a popular ingredient in Indonesian cuisine, known for its strong smell and slightly bitter taste. It pairs well with the spicy and savory flavors of the oseng cumi.
Oseng Cumi Asam Manis: Make it sweet and sour by adding pineapple chunks and a touch of tomato sauce. This variation offers a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that is sure to please your taste buds.
Oseng Cumi Cabe Ijo: Use only green chili peppers for a milder, fresher flavor. This variation is perfect for those who prefer a less spicy dish but still want to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
Oseng Cumi Campur: Mix in other seafood like shrimp, clams, or mussels for a seafood medley. This variation is a great way to add variety and texture to the oseng cumi.
Add Vegetables: Include your favorite vegetables like green beans, carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture. This variation is a great way to make the oseng cumi a complete and balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

Oseng cumi is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

With Rice: The classic pairing! Serve oseng cumi with warm, fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice all work well.
With Noodles: Toss oseng cumi with your favorite noodles, such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or glass noodles. This makes for a satisfying and flavorful noodle dish.
As a Side Dish: Serve oseng cumi as a side dish alongside other Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), gado-gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce), or sate (grilled skewers).
In a Wrap: Use oseng cumi as a filling for wraps or tacos. Add some shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a delicious and easy meal.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful oseng cumi recipe that you can easily make at home. With its vibrant spices, tender squid, and customizable ingredients, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, oseng cumi is sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking, guys! I hope you enjoy creating this amazing Indonesian dish as much as I do. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ons to make it your own. And remember, the key to a perfect oseng cumi is fresh ingredients, quick cooking, and a dash of love. Bon appétit!