Muc Xao Thap Cam (Stir-fried Squid with Vegetables and Pineapple)
Serves 6

- 3 tbsp oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g fresh medium squids, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- ½ stalk celery (80g), diced to yield about ½ cup
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 100g snow peas
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 tsp crushed black peppercorns
- 2 ripe medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 300g pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tbsp minced coriander leaves (cilantro) to garnish

- Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat.
- Stir-fry ½ of the garlic until golden brown and fragrant, for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the squid pieces and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until just cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Heat the remaining oil in the wok or skillet over medium heat and stir-fry the remaining garlic until golden brown and fragrant, for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the carrot, celery, onion and snow peas, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, seasoning with the salt and pepper, until the vegetables are tender.
- Finally add the tomatoes, pineapple, cooked squid and fish sauce, and continue stir-frying for another minute before removing from the heat.
- Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with pepper and garnish with coriander leaves (cilantro).
- Serve hot with steamed rice.