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ไทยSmall squid is a gift from the ocean, not only appealing with its natural sweet taste but also with its characteristic chewy and crispy texture that no other seafood can match. To preserve that flavor, the right way to cook small squid is the secret to making family meals more special than ever. Today, let’s explore with Ola Squid the delicious recipes for small squid at home!
What are Small Squid? Characteristics and Nutritional Value
Before learning how to cook small squid, you need to understand this special ingredient. Small squid, also known by its common names like baby squid, mini egg squid, or rice grain squid, refers to squid with small sizes, typically measuring 5-10 cm in length. They have a slender body, translucent white or pale pink color, thin skin, and often contain eggs inside. When cooked, the squid meat is tender, aromatic, with a characteristic chewy and crispy texture, making it very satisfying to eat and highly addictive.
Beyond their appealing appearance and flavor, small squid are also a very nutritious food. 100g of fresh small squid contains:
- 15-18g of protein, providing energy, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting metabolism.
- High levels of iron and zinc, supporting blood circulation, boosting immunity, and combating fatigue.
- Vitamin B12, essential for nervous system function and blood formation.
- Omega-3 and DHA, essential fatty acids that improve memory, enhance brain function, and protect cardiovascular health.
Notably, small squid have low fat content and are completely free of bad cholesterol, making them very suitable for people on diets, the elderly, or those who want to maintain their physique while still getting enough nutrients.
Furthermore, in traditional medicine, squid is considered a food that helps replenish blood, clear heat, and enhance vitality. Therefore, small squid are not only delicious but also a healthy gift from the ocean, suitable for everyday meals for the whole family, from children to the elderly.
Delicious and Simple Ways to Cook Small Squid at Home
With their unique natural flavor, small squid can be prepared in many different ways. Each dish has its own distinct character, but all retain the inherent sweetness, tenderness, and delicious aroma.
Small Squid Stir-fried with Garlic
One of the most beloved ways to cook small squid is stir-frying it with garlic. The squid is cleaned, quickly stir-fried with golden fried garlic, seasoned with a little fish sauce, ground pepper, and scallions. This preparation method is very simple yet captivating. This dish is delicious served hot with white rice or as a snack.
Small Squid Braised with Sweet and Savory Sauce
If you prefer a richer flavor, small squid braised with a sweet and savory sauce is an unmissable choice. The squid is braised with good quality fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce, and shallots until the sauce thickens. The combination of sweet, savory, and a hint of spiciness makes this dish incredibly appetizing with rice.
Small Squid Fried with Fish Sauce
Among the delicious ways to cook small squid, squid fried with fish sauce always stands out for its rich, irresistible flavor. The squid is fried until golden and crispy, then tossed with a thick, fragrant mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and chili. The crispy outer layer, combined with the naturally chewy and sweet interior, and the savory, sweet, and spicy sauce creates a truly addictive dish. Whether served as a snack or with hot rice, small squid fried with fish sauce always captivates both children and adults.
Small Squid Steamed with Ginger
If you want to fully enjoy the natural sweetness of squid, choose the steaming method. Steaming squid with ginger, lemongrass, and a little white wine helps preserve the flavor and effectively removes the fishy smell. This dish is best dipped with fish sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili!
Tips for Choosing and Preparing Small Squid to Avoid Fishy Smell
To effectively apply the methods for cooking small squid, choosing and preparing the squid correctly is extremely important. Here are some helpful tips for handling squid properly.
How to Choose Fresh and Delicious Small Squid at the Market
Fresh squid has a bright, shiny color, a translucent or naturally pinkish-white body, and clear, not cloudy eyes. When gently pressed with your hand, the squid is firm and elastic and has no strange odor. Avoid choosing squid that is slimy, mushy, or has a strong fishy smell.
Tips for Cleaning Squid Quickly Without Damaging It
After purchasing, gently rinse the squid under cold running water. Use your hands to carefully separate the head and innards, removing the ink sac without damaging the squid’s body. Use a sharp knife to cut off the eyes and beak if you want to clean them more thoroughly.
Natural Ways to Remove Fishy Smell (Ginger, White Wine, Vinegar…)
To prevent the squid from smelling fishy after cooking, soak it in water with crushed ginger or a little white wine for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can mix the squid with a little vinegar and salt, then rinse with clean water; this method also helps the squid become firmer and whiter.
Notes When Cooking Small Squid for Better Flavor
Not only does it require the right recipe, but cooking small squid also demands finesse in every step of preparation. Here are some things you should pay attention to in order to preserve the dish’s flavor.
Ideal Cooking Time for Squid to Avoid Toughness
Cooking squid for too long will make it tough and lose its natural sweetness. Conversely, if cooked too quickly and not fully cooked, the squid can smell fishy. Ideally, you should stir-fry or pan-fry for about 3-5 minutes, and steam for 7-10 minutes, depending on the amount of squid.
Combining Suitable Ingredients to Enhance Squid Flavor
Ginger, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and pepper are excellent companions for small squid. Not only do they help remove odor, but these ingredients also enhance the rich flavor, making the dish much more aromatic and appealing.
Tips for Preserving Small Squid Fresh for a Long Time
After learning delicious ways to cook small squid, you also need to know how to preserve them properly so you can use them gradually while maintaining the best quality.
How to Store in the Refrigerator and Freezer
- Refrigerator (chiller compartment): Store squid in an airtight container or zip-top bag; it can be kept for 1-2 days.
- Freezer: Small squid should be cleaned, drained, placed in a vacuum-sealed bag or zip-top bag, and then frozen. It can be kept for up to 1 month while maintaining its fresh taste.
Notes When Thawing and Reheating Frozen Squid
Thaw squid by placing it in the refrigerator’s chiller compartment overnight or by immersing the squid bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. Absolutely do not thaw with hot water or in the microwave, as this can make the squid tough, lose moisture, and smell fishy.
From simple preparation methods to small tips for handling, all contribute to creating small squid dishes that are not only delicious but also full of flavor and rich in nutrients. Try applying these authentic small squid cooking methods today to make your family meals warmer and more special!
For a variety of high-quality dried squid products, visit our shop at OlaSquid Shop. You can also explore our range of dried squid snacks at Dried Squid Snack, flattened dried squid at Flattened Dried Squid, or whole dried squid at Whole Dried Squid. For more information, please visit our Home Page.
