Calamari fried in fish sauce is a familiar dish, yet it has a special allure. The natural sweetness of the squid combined with the savory fish sauce dip, infused with the aroma of fried garlic, easily captivates any palate. Especially, this dish is a “lifesaver” for family meals as it is easy to prepare, time-saving, and still guarantees a delightful flavor.
According to culinary expert Nguyen Thi Dieu Thao (VnExpress), “Calamari fried in fish sauce strikes a balance between the sweetness of fresh ingredients and the subtlety of sauce preparation. This dish is not only nutritious but also very suitable for Vietnamese family meals.”
Today, I will share the ultimate recipe for you to master how to make the calamari fried in fish sauce with a thick, crispy, and evenly seasoned sauce!
Necessary Ingredients
To make delicious calamari fried in fish sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh calamari: 500 grams
- Good quality fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
- Chili: 2 peppers (finely chopped or sliced, adjust to your preference)
- Cooking oil: 100ml
- Ground pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vietnamese coriander (rau răm): A few sprigs (for garnish and added flavor)
Tips for Choosing Fresh Calamari
Culinary expert Hoang Minh Tuan (according to the Vietnamese Women’s Newspaper) advises: “When selecting calamari, pay attention to its freshness. Fresh calamari usually has a firm body, bright eyes, and a smooth, shiny outer skin. Avoid choosing squid with a foul odor or a head that has separated from the body.”
Preparing the Ingredients
Calamari Preparation
Clean the calamari: Separate the head from the body, remove the ink sac and internal organs. Rinse the calamari under cold running water, then use a little salt or vinegar to gently rub the surface to eliminate any fishy odor.
Cut the calamari into round slices or long strips according to your preference. For a crispier texture, you can marinate the calamari with a little ground pepper and let it sit for about 15 minutes before cooking.
Preparing the Fish Sauce Dip
In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 cup of water, minced garlic, and chopped chili. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Cooking the Calamari in Fish Sauce
Pan-frying the Calamari
Heat up the cooking oil in a pan over high heat, then add the calamari and pan-fry briefly. Note that you should not fry for too long as the calamari can become tough. Once the calamari turns slightly golden, remove it from the oil and drain the excess.
Stir-frying the Calamari with the Sauce
In a separate pan, sauté the minced garlic with a little cooking oil until fragrant. Then, pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
When the sauce starts to thicken, add the calamari and toss to coat evenly. Continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes before turning off the heat.
Final Touches
Sprinkle some ground pepper and a few leaves of Vietnamese coriander on top for added flavor and aroma.
Presentation and Serving
- You can present this dish on a white plate, garnished with sliced chili or Vietnamese coriander for a pop of color.
- Calamari fried in fish sauce tastes best when served with hot steamed rice or wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs. The crispiness of the calamari combined with the savory sauce will keep you reaching for more!
Tips and Tricks for a Tastier Dish
- Choose high-quality fish sauce: Culinary expert Dieu Thao emphasizes that fish sauce is the key to the dish’s flavor. Opt for traditional fish sauce with a higher protein content to ensure a robust taste.
- Crispy calamari: To maintain the crispiness of the calamari, fry it briefly at a high temperature and remove it from the oil as soon as it is cooked.
- Don’t overcook the sauce: The sauce only needs to thicken; avoid cooking it for too long as the sugar may burn and affect the flavor.
Variations of Calamari Fried in Fish Sauce
- Add onion: Sautéed onion wedges add natural sweetness and visual appeal to the dish.
- Alter the flavor: Introduce a tangy twist by adding a splash of lime or sour tamarind juice to the sauce.
- Accompaniments: Besides steamed rice, this dish also pairs well with fresh rice vermicelli or French bread.
Calamari fried in fish sauce is a simple yet quintessential Vietnamese dish. Hopefully, this article has empowered you to confidently cook this wonderful meal for your family. Remember to save the recipe and apply these tips to achieve perfection!
Best wishes and happy cooking!
