Delicious Garlic Fried Dried Squid Recipe Everyone Loves

Garlicky Dried Squid is a dish that perfectly combines the chewy, sweet taste of dried squid with the rich aroma of crispy fried garlic and a hint of mild spiciness from chili. Whether enjoyed as a snack while watching movies, gathering with friends, or served as a bar snack, this dish is sure to impress everyone who tastes it. In this article, let’s explore a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe for making savory garlic fried dried squid right at home.

1. How to choose dried squid for garlic chili frying

To achieve the perfect flavor and ideal chewy texture for your garlic chili dried squid, selecting high-quality dried squid is crucial. Here are the criteria to consider when choosing:

• Prioritize squid with a fine white powdery coating all over their bodies. This indicates they were dried properly and were fresh when processed.
• Good quality squid typically has a light pink or moderate red color. Avoid squid with overly dark or intensely red colors, as they may have been treated with chemicals or stored for too long.
• Choose squid with a uniformly thick body and a straight form. Thicker squid will be softer, sweeter, and easier to shred after cooking.
• High-quality dried squid will have its head firmly attached to its body, signifying freshness during processing and minimal handling.

• When you hold it, the squid should feel dry to the touch, not sticky or moldy. Natural dryness is key to long-term preservation without compromising quality.
• Good dried squid will have a mild, characteristic aroma of dried seafood. Avoid squid with a strong fishy smell, strange odors, or a foul smell, as these indicate staleness or mold.
• Do not choose squid that are too small (less meat) or too large (can be tough and lose flavor). Squid of moderate size and thickness are ideal for this fried dish.
• Prioritize purchasing from dried seafood stores, large markets, or reputable brands to ensure clear origin and consistent quality.

2. Prepare ingredients for garlic fried dried squid

Here are the basic ingredients needed to make garlic fried dried squid at home:

• Dried squid: 2-3 medium-sized pieces (about 100g)
• Peeled garlic, minced: 2 teaspoons
• Fresh chili, minced: 2 teaspoons
• Sugar and MSG: a little
• Good quality fish sauce: ½ teaspoon
• Butter or cooking oil: 1 tablespoon
• Chili sauce: ½ teaspoon

3. How to make garlic fried dried squid

With just a few simple steps, you can easily prepare this delicious garlic fried dried squid dish at home. Here is a detailed guide:

• Step 1: Prepare and fry the squid:
  • After purchasing the dried squid, lightly grill it over a gas stove, charcoal, or in an air fryer to remove any fishy smell and enhance its aroma.
  • Let it cool, then tear the squid into bite-sized strips or cut it into smaller pieces according to your preference.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the squid and fry over medium heat. When the squid turns golden brown and releases a fragrant aroma, remove it from the pan and drain off excess oil.

However, it’s important to fry over medium heat and avoid overcooking to prevent the squid from becoming too dry or burnt, losing its natural sweetness.

• Step 2: Make the sauce and stir-fry the squid with seasonings
  • Using the same pan used for frying the squid, add 2 teaspoons of minced chili and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Sauté over low heat until fragrant.
  • When the garlic begins to turn golden, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of chili sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of MSG (or seasoning powder). Stir well until the mixture dissolves and thickens.
  • Add the fried squid to the pan and stir-fry continuously for about 4-5 minutes, ensuring the squid is evenly coated with the aromatic garlic and chili sauce.
• Step 3: Enjoy the finished dish: The finished garlic fried dried squid will have an attractive golden color and a captivating aroma. The squid will be well-seasoned, with a chewy texture, and a balanced sweet, savory, and spicy flavor, complemented by the rich aroma of fried garlic. This dish is perfect as a bar snack, a casual snack, or served with hot steamed rice for an irresistible meal.

In addition to garlic fried dried squid, you can also try other delicious preparations such as butter garlic fried dried squid, which is rich and fragrant, black pepper fried dried squid with its authentic spicy flavor, or spicy dried squid, all prepared deliciously at home. These variations will add variety to your meals and offer new culinary experiences for your family.

The article above provides a detailed guide on how to make delicious and irresistible garlic fried dried squid simply. To achieve the perfect taste for this dish, choosing high-quality dried squid is essential. If you are looking for a reputable place to buy delicious, clean dried squid, contact Ola Squid today – a brand specializing in authentic dried seafood, guaranteed to be free of chemicals and preservatives.