Tips

What is Sun-Dried Squid? Secrets to Choosing Delicious Sun-Dried Squid.

You've likely heard of the delicacy that is sun-dried squid, but do you know how to choose the best of the best? Stay tuned as we reveal the secrets to selecting the most delectable squid, freshly caught and perfectly cured. Prepare to elevate your culinary experiences!

Administrator

28 July, 2024

Dried squid is a delicacy, a pricey yet nutritious and delicious treat sought after by many. However, if you don’t know how to choose the right squid, you won’t be able to fully enjoy this wonderful flavor. So, in this article, we’ll share some tips to help you buy the best squid products!

1 What is Dried Squid?

What is Dried Squid?

As the name suggests, dried squid is simply squid that has been sun-dried once, not repeatedly. It is a special type of dried seafood that is highly sought after.

To make delicious dried squid, the squid is first cleaned and washed with seawater to enhance its flavor, and then sun-dried.

Dried squid must be refrigerated and is the main ingredient in many attractive dishes such as braised dried squid, stir-fried dried squid, crispy fried dried squid, grilled dried squid, and more. It is also ideal as a gift for family, friends, or business associates.

Main ingredient for many delicious dishes

2 Secrets to Choosing Delicious Dried Squid

Identifying the Type of Squid

Delicious dried squid is usually leaf squid or tube squid as they have thicker and sweeter meat.

Delicious dried squid is typically made from leaf squid or tube squid as they have thicker and sweeter meat. Therefore, it’s important to know how to distinguish these two types from others. Especially, you can easily mistake tube squid for pin squid.

Tube squid has a much shorter tail compared to pin squid, which has a very pointed tail. Tube squid has a larger and longer ear, about 2/3 of the body length, while pin squid’s ear is shorter and smaller. Tube squid also has a thicker body and more meat. Pin squid has a thicker ear, an oval-shaped body, and a thinner, cylindrical mantle.

Examining the Skin

The skin of the squid is the most important indicator of its freshness.

The skin of the squid is covered in tiny spots known as skin pearls. Only live or freshly dead squid have these skin pearls. Therefore, the presence of skin pearls is the most important indicator of the squid’s freshness.

To determine if dried squid is made from fresh squid, examine the skin for black and pink spots. If you see a skin with many black and pink dots, it indicates the dried squid was made from fresh squid.

If the squid’s skin has lost its skin pearls, it means the skin was peeled before drying because the squid was no longer fresh, and the skin had turned red and mushy. As a result, the meat won’t be as sweet and tasty.

Checking if it’s Sun-Dried Once

Dried squid is made by sun-drying the squid, allowing the water to evaporate and concentrating the nutrients in the squid’s body. Therefore, if the squid is not sun-dried sufficiently, it will retain moisture, making it heavier, and you’ll get fewer pieces per kilogram.

Storage Methods

Squid stored in vacuum bags can last from 6 to 12 months.

When purchasing, look for squid that is stored in vacuum bags or frozen. Under these conditions, the squid can be stored for 6 to 12 months while retaining its delicious taste and nutritional value.

Additionally, high-quality dried squid usually costs 700,000 VND per kilogram or more.

Origin of Dried Squid

Dried squid from places like Phan Thiet, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang tend to be tastier.

Squid from areas with fewer rivers and lakes, saltier water, and more coral reefs, such as Phan Thiet, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang, tend to be tastier and sweeter.

With these tips, we hope you’ll be able to choose the best dried squid to treat your family and friends!

Frequently asked questions

Sun-dried squid is a delicacy and a popular snack in many Asian countries. It is made by drying cleaned squid under the sun, resulting in a chewy and flavorful treat. The process of sun-drying preserves the squid while enhancing its umami taste.

Sun-dried squid is a good source of protein and essential amino acids. It is also low in calories and contains important vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. The process of sun-drying also adds a unique flavor and texture that is loved by many.

When purchasing sun-dried squid, look for a product that is evenly dried and has a reddish-brown color. Avoid squid that appears too dry or brittle, as this may indicate it is over-dried. Check the ingredients list to ensure there are no added preservatives or artificial flavors. A good quality sun-dried squid will have a strong, pleasant seafood aroma.

To maintain the freshness of sun-dried squid, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a humid climate, you can refrigerate the container to extend its shelf life. Proper storage will help prevent the squid from becoming too dry or developing mold.

Sun-dried squid can be enjoyed as is, or you can get creative with your serving ideas. Try cutting it into thin strips and serving it with a dip, such as a spicy mayo or a tangy vinegar sauce. You can also lightly pan-fry the squid to add a crispy texture, or even crumble it over salads or rice bowls for an extra savory touch.