Tiếng Việt
ไทยIf you are a “fan” of sour and spicy snacks with a rich ocean aroma, dried squid and ambarella salad will surely “win your heart” from the very first taste. The dish, while seemingly simple, is a delicate blend of the crunchiness of ambarella, the bold flavor of dried squid, and a zesty dressing. Let’s join Ola Squid in discovering how to make this delicious treat at home, which is both economical and hygienic!
Dried squid and ambarella salad – A uniquely addictive combination
Dried squid and ambarella salad is not just a snack; it is an enchanting “symphony of flavors.” The slight tang from the crispy green ambarella combined with the aromatic, chewy, and distinctively grilled dried squid, all blended into a bold, spicy, and captivating dressing, seems to awaken all your senses after just one bite.
It is no coincidence that this dish has become a familiar “companion” for everyone, from students to office workers. The salad is not only delicious but also provides a refreshing feeling that chases away fatigue, acting like a dose of “mental vitamin” after stressful hours of studying or working.
Simple ingredients for dried squid and ambarella salad
To create a plate of perfectly flavored dried squid and ambarella salad, the ingredient preparation stage plays a crucial role. You don’t need to look for overly complicated components; with just a few familiar ingredients and a touch of delicacy in your selection, you can craft a dish that is both appealing and high-quality right at home.
Main ingredients to prepare
- Green ambarella: 4-5 fruits. Choose large, crunchy, fiber-free “fat” ambarella with a characteristic tangy sourness.
- Dried squid: 1-2 pieces depending on the size. You can use whole dried squid for grilling and tearing, or pre-shredded dried squid if you want to save time.
- Seasonings: Minced garlic, crushed fresh chili, granulated sugar, quality fish sauce, and Tay Ninh shrimp salt – the key elements that create the signature flavor of the salad.
- Optional toppings: Chopped Vietnamese coriander (rau ram) and crushed roasted peanuts to add aroma, richness, and attractive colors to the dish.
Reference: Top 9 best places to buy dried squid in HCMC not to be missed
Notes when choosing ingredients
To ensure your dried squid and ambarella salad reaches an “irresistible” level, be mindful when selecting ingredients:
- Dried squid: Prioritize thick-bodied, firm-textured squid with a natural ivory-white surface, free from strange odors or mold. When grilled, it will have the right chewiness and a rich ocean aroma.
- Green ambarella: Choose bright green fruits that are not soft or bruised. Avoid buying ones that are too young (easily bitter) or too ripe (soft, lacking crunch).
- Seasonings: Don’t skimp on the small but mighty ingredients like quality fish sauce or premium shrimp salt; they are the “soul” that creates the depth and balanced flavor for the salad.
Depending on your preference, you can also experiment with dried squid and mango salad with sweet and sour green mango, or pomelo shrimp and squid salad with a refreshing taste for variety.
How to make bold and spicy dried squid and ambarella salad
Once the ingredients are ready, it’s time for the most important part: preparing the dried squid and ambarella salad. With the three simple yet refined steps below, you will easily “transform” seemingly humble ingredients into a snack that will make everyone who tastes it rave.
Step 1 – Prepare the ambarella and dried squid
- Green ambarella: Peel, wash, then julienne or slice thinly as desired. To increase crunchiness, soak the ambarella in ice water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
- Dried squid: Grill the squid over charcoal, an electric coal stove, or a gas stove. Only grill until it releases its characteristic aroma, then tear into small bite-sized pieces. If using pre-shredded squid, you can lightly toast it to wake up the scent before mixing.
Step 2 – Make the “magical” salad dressing
The soul of the dried squid and ambarella salad is the dressing, which connects all flavors in perfect harmony.
- Mix the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of quality fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of Tay Ninh shrimp salt
- Minced garlic and crushed fresh chili
- Stir well until all ingredients are completely dissolved, creating a lightly thickened mixture that smells of fish sauce, is spicy with garlic and chili, and has a balanced salty-sweet taste.
Step 3 – Mix the salad and enjoy
- Put the drained ambarella into a large bowl and add the shredded dried squid.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss gently so the ambarella and squid are evenly coated.
- Finally, you can sprinkle with chopped Vietnamese coriander, crushed roasted peanuts, and a little more shrimp salt on top to increase the aroma and visual appeal.
See more: How to make delicious and simple dried squid rice paper salad at home
Tips for a better salad
To ensure your dried squid and ambarella salad is not only delicious but also rich and captivating from the very first bite, don’t miss the small tips below. Even though they are simple, if applied correctly, the dish will noticeably “elevate,” making everyone who tastes it praise your cooking.
How to grill dried squid to be aromatic and not chewy
It is best to grill the squid over glowing charcoal or an electric coal stove on medium heat to retain its natural moisture and sweetness. While grilling, turn it evenly to ensure it cooks through without burning the edges. Once the squid puffs up slightly and releases its fragrance, it is done. Absolutely avoid grilling for too long as the squid will become dry, tough, and lose its characteristic flavor.
What to do if the ambarella is too sour?
In case the ambarella is too sour, you can soak it briefly in diluted sugar water for 5-10 minutes to soothe the harsh acidity. Afterward, drain it completely before mixing it into the salad to avoid diluting the sauce. This method helps the salad become more balanced and palatable while retaining its natural crunch. A small but extremely effective trick to save a batch of “too sour” ambarella.
What toppings can make the salad more interesting?
To make the dried squid and ambarella salad more eye-catching and interesting, you can be creative with various toppings. Julienned green mango, carrots, or toasted dried shrimp are ideal choices. Adding a little crispy fried shallot will make the salad more fragrant and increase its “addictive” quality. Not only will it taste better, but it also creates a fresh sensation with every bite.
See more: Ola Squid’s attractive range of seasoned shredded dried squid
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions when making dried squid and ambarella salad at home. If you are hesitant before entering the kitchen, refer to these answers to ensure your dish is perfect and easy to succeed.
How long can dried squid and ambarella salad be stored?
It is best to enjoy the salad immediately after mixing to fully appreciate the crispiness of the ambarella and the delicious flavor of the squid. In case you need to store it, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4-6 hours. Avoid leaving it overnight, as the ambarella will become soft, release water, and lose its original freshness.
Does the dried squid need to be boiled beforehand?
No need to boil the dried squid before processing. Just grill it over low heat until the fragrance is released, then tear it into pieces to use immediately. Boiling will cause the squid to lose its characteristic chewiness and taste bland, making the dish less appealing.
Can I substitute ambarella with other ingredients?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ambarella on hand, you can substitute it with green mango, which has a mild sour taste and similar crunchiness. However, the dried squid and ambarella salad possesses a very unique flavor: sharp sourness, bold crunch, and full of stimulation that mango struggles to fully replace. Try both to experience the difference!
>>> See now: How to make spicy dried squid standard flavor at home
With easy-to-find ingredients, a simple preparation method, and quick processing time, the dried squid and ambarella salad is an ideal choice for friend gatherings, relaxing weekends, or simply when you need to “recharge” your soul. Try entering the kitchen and experience this emotional dish; you will be surprised that you can make such a delicious treat yourself!
Ola Squid introduces a high-quality series of whole dried squid, sun-dried perfectly and safely preserved for every delicious meal.
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