Crispy Fried Dried Squid with Fish Sauce - Easy Recipe

Craving a deliciously crunchy and savory snack? Look no further than crispy fried dried squid! This popular Asian street food is surprisingly easy to make at home, offering a satisfying textural contrast and addictive umami flavor. Forget expensive takeout – with just a few simple ingredients and a little know-how, you can whip up a batch of this irresistible treat in your own kitchen. The intense flavor of the dried squid is perfectly complemented by a simple fish sauce marinade, resulting in a snack that's both complex and deeply satisfying.

This recipe provides a foolproof method for achieving perfectly crispy, golden-brown squid every time. Forget tough, chewy squid – we'll guide you through the essential steps to ensure your dried squid is cooked to crispy perfection. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Colander or oil-absorbing paper
  • Chopsticks

Ingredients

  • Dried squid: 200g
  • Beer: 1 can
  • Onion: 1
  • Green onion (only the white part)
  • Chili peppers
  • Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon
  • Water: 1/2 cup
  • Sugar: 3 tablespoons
  • Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
  • Chili sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • MSG (optional): 1/2 teaspoon
  • Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Dried chili flakes (optional): 1-2 teaspoons
  • Cooking oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Squid and Ingredients

  • Soak the dried squid in beer for 5 minutes (smaller squid) or 10 minutes (larger squid). If you don't have beer, soak in water and rinse thoroughly to remove sand and dust.
  • Cut the onion into small pieces. Chop the white parts of green onions and chili peppers.
  • Prepare minced garlic. Saute until fragrant and set aside.
  • Drain the soaked squid and let it air dry for 5-10 minutes (or sun-dry for 10-15 minutes) to prevent oil splattering during frying. A fan can also be used if no sun is available.
Soak the dried squid in beer for 5 minutes (smaller squid) or 10 minutes (larger squid). If you don't have beer, soak in water and rinse thoroughly to remove sand and dust.Cut the onion into small pieces. Chop the white parts of green onions and chili peppers.Prepare minced garlic. Saute until fragrant and set aside.Drain the soaked squid and let it air dry for 5-10 minutes (or sun-dry for 10-15 minutes) to prevent oil splattering during frying. A fan can also be used if no sun is available.
Prepare the Squid and Ingredients
  • Cut or tear the dried squid into smaller, manageable pieces.
Cut or tear the dried squid into smaller, manageable pieces.
Prepare the Squid and Ingredients

Step 2. Fry the Squid

  • Heat oil in a pan. Fry the squid in batches over medium heat for 15-20 seconds until golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil.
Heat oil in a pan. Fry the squid in batches over medium heat for 15-20 seconds until golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil.
Fry the Squid

Step 3. Make the Fish Sauce Mixture

  • Combine water, sugar, fish sauce, chili sauce, MSG (optional), pepper, and dried chili flakes (optional). Stir well and let it dissolve.
  • In a clean pan, add cooking oil and saute the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the prepared sauce and cook until thickened.
  • Add the onions to the sauce and stir briefly. Add the fried squid, stir to coat, then add the green onions and chili peppers. Mix well.
Prepare the sauce: Combine water, sugar, fish sauce, chili sauce, MSG (optional), pepper, and dried chili flakes (optional). Stir well and let it dissolve.In a clean pan, add cooking oil and saute the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the prepared sauce and cook until thickened.Add the onions to the sauce and stir briefly. Add the fried squid, stir to coat, then add the green onions and chili peppers. Mix well.
Make the Fish Sauce Mixture

Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack

Tips

  • Using smaller dried squid results in a crispier texture.
  • Soaking in beer removes the pungent smell of squid and adds fragrance.
  • Don't fry the squid for too long; otherwise, it will become bitter.
  • Fry squid in batches to ensure even crispness.
  • Adjust the amount of salt in the sauce based on the saltiness of the dried squid.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh squid instead of dried squid?

No, fresh squid has a much higher moisture content and won't crisp up the same way. Dried squid is essential for this recipe.

2. How do I store leftover crispy fried squid?

Store leftover squid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It will lose some crispiness over time.


So there you have it – crispy fried dried squid, a simple yet incredibly rewarding snack that's perfect for sharing (or not!). This easy recipe delivers a powerful punch of flavor and satisfying crunch in minutes. Enjoy this addictive treat as a standalone snack or alongside your favorite drinks!