Ingredients for Odorless Steamed Squid
Fresh squid: 1kg, your choice of squid
Fresh ginger: 1 small root (about 30g)
Lemongrass: 2-3 stalks
Kaffir lime leaves: 5-7 leaves
Fresh chili: 1-2 chilies (adjust to taste)
White wine: 2 tablespoons
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Fish sauce, lime, and chili (for dipping sauce)
How to Steam Squid Without the Fishy Smell
Step 1: Prepare the squid to remove any fishy odor
Clean the squid: Remove the ink sac and backbone from the fresh squid. Peel off the thin outer skin. Rinse the squid with diluted salt water or soak it in water mixed with 1 tablespoon of white wine for 5 minutes to eliminate the fishy smell.
Score the squid: Use a knife to make shallow diagonal cuts on the squid’s body to allow better absorption of flavors and a more attractive presentation when cooked.
Marinate the squid: Crush half a root of ginger and mix it with 1 tablespoon of white wine and half a teaspoon of salt. Rub this mixture onto the squid, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse with clean water.
Step 2: Prepare the steaming ingredients
Prepare the ginger and lemongrass: Peel and slice the remaining ginger into thin pieces. Pound the lemongrass and cut it into 5cm lengths.
Prepare the kaffir lime leaves and chili: Rinse the kaffir lime leaves and set them aside to dry. Slice the chili thinly (if you prefer a spicier dish).
Step 3: Steam the squid
Arrange the ingredients: Line the steamer with a layer of ginger and lemongrass. Place the squid on top and sprinkle with kaffir lime leaves and fresh chili to enhance the aroma.
Steam the squid: Bring water to a boil in a pot, place the steamer over the pot, and steam the squid over medium heat for 8-10 minutes (depending on the size of the squid). Avoid oversteaming to prevent the squid from becoming tough.
Check for doneness: The squid is ready when the body turns opaque white, the flesh firms up, and it emits a pleasant aroma.
Step 4: Prepare the dipping sauce and serve
Make the dipping sauce: In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of good-quality fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, minced garlic, and minced chili. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Presentation: Arrange the steamed squid on a plate and garnish with a few slices of ginger and kaffir lime leaves for an appealing presentation. Serve the squid hot with the prepared dipping sauce.
Tips for Odorless, Crispy, and Tender Squid
Choosing fresh squid is the most important factor in ensuring your dish is free from any fishy odor and has sweet, tender meat.
Ginger, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves are the holy trinity for eliminating fishy odors—don’t skip them!
Adding a small amount of beer to the steaming water can enhance the aroma of the squid.
Steamed squid is best enjoyed immediately to preserve its crispness and sweetness.
Good luck, and I hope you’ll enjoy this delicious steamed squid dish that will leave you craving for more!
