How to Make Delicious, Rich Salty-Sweet Glazed Squid at Home

If you are looking for a dish that is both delicious with rice and can be a tempting snack for gatherings, then rimmed squid is definitely a choice not to be missed. With a harmonious sweet and savory flavor, mixed with a little spiciness and a fragrant aroma from dried squid, this dish makes anyone who tries it unforgettable. In the article below, let’s explore with Ola Squid how to make sweet and savory rimmed squid at home, simple and delicious like in restaurants, don’t miss it!

Why is sweet and savory rimmed squid loved by many people?

Sweet and savory rimmed squid is not only a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals but also an irresistible “delicious appetizer” for all food lovers. With the harmonious combination of the rich savory taste of fish sauce, the gentle sweetness of sugar, the spiciness of chili, and the characteristic chewy tenderness of dried squid, this dish easily conquers even the most demanding palates. Whether eaten with white rice, sticky rice, bread, or enjoyed with friends, rimmed squid offers a full and memorable taste experience.

Not only delicious, but rimmed squid is also loved for its convenience and ease of preservation. You can prepare it in advance, store it in a sealed jar, and use it gradually for 1-2 weeks without losing its flavor. In fact, it’s also a meaningful gift from the countryside, capturing the flavor of the sea in every rich and fragrant strand of rimmed squid. Therefore, this dish is not only popular domestically but also highly sought after by Vietnamese people living abroad.

Ingredients and tools to prepare

To create a rich and flavorful sweet and savory rimmed squid dish, the preparation of ingredients and tools is crucial. This is an important step to ensure the dish is not only delicious but also retains its characteristic aroma and attractive color. Let’s look at the necessary components for the cooking process!

Main ingredients for sweet and savory rimmed squid

• Dried squid (200g): It is advisable to choose medium-sized squid with thick bodies and a natural light pink color, not too large, so that the squid has a moderate chewy tenderness and absorbs the seasoning well.
• Garlic, fresh chili, shallots: finely chopped, this trio of ingredients helps create a fragrant aroma and an attractive spicy flavor.
• White sugar or palm sugar: 3 tablespoons, to create a light sweetness, help the sauce thicken and have a beautiful color.
• Good quality fish sauce: 2-3 tablespoons, it is recommended to choose pure fish sauce to enhance the savory taste of the dish.
• Cooking oil: a sufficient amount to sauté and rim the squid, making the dish more glossy and appealing.
• Honey or chili sauce (depending on taste): helps enhance the sweet aftertaste and create a sticky texture for the sauce. In addition, chili sauce also helps the dish have an attractive orange-red color.

Necessary tools for cooking

• Deep non-stick pan: helps the squid not stick to the bottom and makes it easy to stir evenly during the rimming process.
• Knife, scissors, cutting board: used to cut, tear the squid, and prepare ingredients.
• Bowls, chopsticks, spoons: for mixing sauce and seasoning.
• Clean glass jars with airtight lids: used to store the squid after cooking, helping to preserve the flavor longer and for convenient daily use.

With the simple yet complete list of ingredients and tools above, you are ready to start making delicious sweet and savory rimmed squid right at home!

Simple way to make sweet and savory rimmed squid at home

After preparing all the ingredients and tools, it’s time to start cooking the sweet and savory rimmed squid dish – a dish that, although simple, contains all the deliciousness, aroma, and affection for family meals. Let’s follow each step meticulously to achieve the most complete flavor!

Step 1: Prepare and clean the squid

First, lightly grill the dried squid over charcoal embers or the low flame of a gas stove. When the squid starts to puff up slightly and release its characteristic aroma, take it out, and gently pound it with a pestle or a hard object to soften it, making it easier to tear and rim. Then, tear the squid into small, bite-sized strips; not too large so the squid can absorb the seasoning easily, and not too small to maintain its chewy texture.

Step 2: Mix the sweet and savory sauce

The sauce is the “soul” of the dish, determining the final flavor. In a small bowl, mix the following ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of white sugar or palm sugar (helps the color look beautiful),
• 2 tablespoons of good quality fish sauce (enhances savory taste),
• 1 tablespoon of chili sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey (creates a harmonious sweet and spicy flavor, and also helps the sauce thicken).

Stir well until the mixture is completely dissolved, slightly thickened, and fragrant.

Step 3: Rim the squid with sauce until thickened

Place the non-stick pan on the stove, add a little cooking oil, and sauté the minced garlic, shallots, and chili until golden and fragrant. Add the torn squid to the pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the squid is slightly firm and more fragrant.

Then, pour in the sauce mixture, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently. While simmering, remember to stir gently to ensure the squid absorbs the sauce evenly. Rim until the sauce thickens, coats all the squid strips evenly, giving it a beautiful glossy appearance and an alluring aroma.

Step 4: Finish and preserve

When you see the squid turn a beautiful glossy brown-red color and the sauce has thickened and coated the squid evenly, turn off the heat and let the squid cool completely. Then, put the squid into clean glass jars with airtight lids and store them in the refrigerator. Rimmed squid can be used gradually for 7-10 days, retaining its delicious flavor, suitable for daily meals or weekend gatherings.

See more: 3 ways to make delicious rimmed dried squid at home

Tips for making sweet and savory rimmed squid rich and not dry

To make the sweet and savory rimmed squid dish truly flavorful, rich, and not dry or tough, in addition to the standard recipe, you also need a bit of finesse in selecting ingredients and cooking. Here are some “small but mighty” secrets to elevate your dish in your own kitchen.

How to choose the right squid

A delicious rimmed squid dish starts with the quality of the dried squid. Choose premium dried squid with thick bodies, a natural light pink color, and a thin layer of white powder covering it lightly. Good squid usually has a straight body, tender flesh, is not broken, and especially has a light, natural dried seafood aroma, not fishy or acrid chemical odors. Avoid choosing squid with thin, wrinkled bodies that break easily or show signs of mold – these are the causes of mushy, tasteless rimmed squid that can affect health.

How long to rim the squid for even seasoning

The rimming time determines the tenderness and flavor absorption of the squid. You should rim the squid for about 10-15 minutes over low heat to allow the sauce to gradually penetrate deep into each strand of squid. This process should not be rushed – if rimmed too quickly, the squid will not absorb the seasoning evenly; if rimmed too long, the squid will become dry and tough, losing its characteristic chewy texture.

Be patient and observe when the sauce starts to thicken and the squid turns a beautiful glossy color, that’s the perfect moment to turn off the heat.

Tips to prevent squid from becoming tough or burnt

To keep the squid tender and chewy without becoming dry, always maintain low heat throughout the rimming process. Also, stir evenly to ensure the squid is coated with sauce uniformly and does not burn at the bottom of the pan.

Prefer to use a deep non-stick pan, which makes it easy to stir the squid without worrying about sticking or burning, and also helps the sauce thicken more evenly. Additionally, you can add a little annatto oil or honey at the end of the rimming process to give the dish a beautiful sheen and prevent the surface from drying out.

Suggestions for enjoying sweet and savory rimmed squid

After completion, sweet and savory rimmed squid is not just a dish, but it can also be transformed into various unique ways of enjoying, suitable for different tastes, occasions, and preferences. Here are a few suggestions to help you explore the full potential of this delicious dish.

Serve with white rice or as a snack

There’s nothing better than enjoying sweet and savory rimmed squid with hot white rice – each strand of squid evenly coated with the sweet, savory, spicy, and fragrant sauce will make the meal more attractive and irresistible. This is the perfect “lifesaver” for busy days when you need a quick and delicious meal.

In addition, rimmed squid is also a “national snack” indispensable for gatherings with friends. A little spiciness, richness, and chewy texture of the squid make this dish extremely suitable for enjoying with a few cold beers or a bit of potent homemade wine.

Combine with other side dishes

Don’t hesitate to get creative with rimmed squid to create new experiences. You can serve it with:

• White sticky rice: the creamy, chewy texture of sticky rice combined with rimmed squid creates a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy.
• Bread: stuff rimmed squid with cucumber, herbs, and a little mayonnaise to create a unique and flavorful sandwich.
• Mango salad: cut rimmed squid into small pieces and mix with shredded mango, Vietnamese mint, and roasted peanuts – an irresistible sour and spicy appetizer.
• Mixed vermicelli: rimmed squid can become the perfect “topping” for mixed vermicelli with fresh vegetables, adding richness and an attractive color.

Whether you serve it in a regular meal or transform it into a creative dish, sweet and savory rimmed squid always brings a delicious, convenient, and emotional experience, a dish that seems simple but is full of hometown flavors.

Answers to some frequently asked questions

During the process of cooking or preserving sweet and savory rimmed squid, many homemakers may encounter a few small concerns. Here are the most common questions and answers to help you feel more confident in the kitchen.

How long can sweet and savory rimmed squid be preserved?

If preserved correctly, meaning placed in clean glass jars, sealed tightly, and stored in the refrigerator, the rimmed squid can be used deliciously for about 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the squid retains its chewiness, tenderness, and rich flavor without losing its aroma. However, to ensure the best flavor, it is recommended to use it within the first 7-10 days after cooking.

Can sweet and savory rimmed squid be made with fresh squid?

It is entirely possible, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Fresh squid will be softer after cooking, lacking the characteristic chewiness of dried squid. If using fresh squid, you should:

• Stir-fry thoroughly to remove the fishy smell, possibly combined with ginger, white wine, or lemongrass.
• Consume immediately on the same day or store for a maximum of 1-2 days in the refrigerator. The dish will still be delicious but will be a “wetter” and milder version of traditional rimmed squid.

What can be added to sweet and savory rimmed squid to make it more appealing?

You can absolutely get creative to enhance the flavor depth of the dish. Here are some interesting suggestions:

• Tamarind juice: creates a harmonious sweet and sour taste, very suitable for people in the South.
• Chopped lemongrass or shredded ginger: helps enhance aroma and reduce greasiness, especially when served with cold beer.
• Roasted peanuts, crushed: adds a nutty, crunchy texture, very appetizing and suitable for those who enjoy snacks. In addition, you can rim with dried chili or satay to give the dish a characteristic spicy flavor, suitable for those who love intensity in cuisine.

Hopefully, with the detailed instructions above, you have mastered how to make delicious, rich, and attractive sweet and savory rimmed squid. For the dish to be truly perfect, don’t forget to choose high-quality and reputable dried squid! With Ola Squid, you not only bring home premium dried squid but also bring unforgettable flavors into every home-cooked meal. Order today to experience the difference and turn every family meal into a warm, loving, and complete experience!