Food & Receipts

The Secret to Crispy, Tender, and Delicious Squid: A Flavorful Experience You’ll Never Forget

With this foolproof recipe for odorless braised squid, you'll be able to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave a lasting impression.

Administrator

20 July, 2024

How to Select Fresh and Delicious Squid

The key to a delicious steamed squid dish lies in choosing the freshest squid. Opt for clear, translucent squid with a slight shimmer to their skin. This indicates firmness and a promise of a crunchy, tasty treat.

If you’re selecting frozen squid, look for specimens with a pink hue, black eyes, and intact, transparent skin. The head should be attached to the body, and the squid should have all its tentacles. When gently pressed, the body should spring back, firm and resilient.

Tips for Steaming Squid Without the Fishy Smell

Freshly caught squid is ideal for steaming. To reduce any fishy odor, remove the ink sac and soak the squid in a solution of diluted salt water with a splash of vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Rinse and pat dry before cooking.

For an even more effective odor-reducing marinade, mix soy sauce, monosodium glutamate, pepper, and a dash of white wine. This combination will not only eliminate the fishy smell but also enhance the natural sweetness of the squid.

Enhance the flavors and aromas by adding ginger slices, star anise, scallions, coriander, and chili to taste. These ingredients not only mask any unwanted odors but also add a delightful kick to the dish. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

Place the marinated squid in a steamer and cook for 5-7 minutes until just done. Top with the star anise, scallions, and coriander, and cover for an additional 15 seconds before serving.

This method ensures the squid is cooked to perfection—tender yet crunchy, with a delicate sweetness. The skin should be taut and glossy, and the head firmly attached. Dip the steamed squid in a mixture of salt, pepper, and lemon juice or soy sauce with a hint of mustard for an explosion of flavors.

Frequently asked questions

The secret to making delicious squid lies in the preparation and cooking technique. Freshness is key, so choose squid that is firm, with bright eyes and a pleasant sea-breeze scent. Clean and prepare the squid carefully, removing any remaining innards and cartilage. The unique two-step cooking method involves a quick boil followed by a sizzling stir-fry, resulting in tender, crispy squid with an unforgettable flavor.

Thorough cleaning ensures that any remaining innards or cartilage are removed, which can affect the texture and taste. It also helps to eliminate any unpleasant odors, ensuring that your squid dish is not only delicious but also aesthetically pleasing.

The initial boiling step helps to tenderize the squid, making it softer and easier to chew. This is crucial as squid can easily become rubbery if overcooked. The stir-frying step adds a crispy texture and enhances the overall flavor by allowing the squid to absorb the delicious spices and sauces used in the process.

Look for fresh squid that has a firm texture and a pleasant sea-breeze scent. The eyes should be bright and clear, indicating freshness. Avoid any squid that appears slimy or has a strong, unpleasant odor.

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients and spices to suit your taste preferences. Common additions include garlic, chili peppers, green onions, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate flavor of the squid itself.