What is Banana Dried Squid? Tips for Choosing Good Quality.

Banana dried squid is a not-so-common food but is favored by many gourmets for its natural sweetness, thick and soft flesh, and moderate chewiness. So, how to choose delicious dried banana squid, what is the price and how to prepare it? To answer these questions, let’s learn in detail about this type of squid in the article below!

1. What is dried banana squid?

Dried banana squid is a famous specialty of the Central region’s coast. Dried banana squid is small milk squid or stuffed squid, which is cleaned and dried immediately after being caught. Thanks to natural drying and not being slit like other types of squid, banana squid still retains its rich salty flavor and natural sweetness from the flesh.

This is what creates its unique flavor, which is very popular in drinking sessions, as snacks, or as gifts when traveling to the sea. Dried squid has a moderate chewiness, is easy to prepare, and can be grilled, deep-fried, stir-fried, or eaten with sweet and sour fish sauce and Vietnamese coriander.

See more: What is dried coin squid? Where to buy delicious and reputable?

2. Tips for choosing delicious dried banana squid

To buy quality dried banana squid, you can refer to the following tips:

• Observe the color: Delicious dried banana squid has a natural light pinkish-white or slightly dark color, a fresh squid color, not patchy. Avoid squid with a blackish, dull color or mold.
• Squid shape: The squid body is plump, evenly shaped, the head and body are firmly attached, and the tentacles are naturally curled. This is a sign that the squid was dried when fresh and not preserved for a long time.
• Dryness and chewiness: The squid is adequately dried, not moldy, but also not so dry that it breaks easily. When pressed lightly, it does not break or tear.
• Natural aroma: Good squid has a salty sea smell, a characteristic aroma, no strange smell, strong fishy odor, or oily smell.
• Squid size: Banana squid is usually small, with less thick flesh than other dried squid types, but it is very sweet, soft, and easy to eat.

3. Current price of dried banana squid

The selling price of dried banana squid on the market today varies depending on the quality, squid size, brand, and distribution channel. The price of dried banana squid usually ranges from VND 200,000 to VND 400,000 for 500g – 1kg, if you choose squid that meets standards for freshness, dryness, and flavor.

However, this price may change depending on the purchase area, supplier, or time of year (especially during the beach travel season or Tet holiday). Therefore, to buy delicious dried banana squid at a reasonable price, you should refer to many different selling locations, prioritizing reputable seafood stores or units with clear commitments on product origin.

4. Ways to prepare dried banana squid

Dried banana squid can be prepared in various ways to create delicious and attractive dishes. Here are some popular and easy-to-follow preparation methods:

• Deep-fried dried banana squid: Soak the dried banana squid in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften, then drain. Lightly season with a little salt and pepper, then put in a hot oil pan and fry until the squid is golden and crispy. This dish is delicious when eaten with fresh vegetables, sweet and sour dipping sauce, or mayonnaise.
• Stir-fried dried banana squid: After soaking the squid in warm water for 30 minutes and lightly frying it, you can stir-fry the dried squid with ingredients such as garlic, chili, shallots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes. The evenly absorbed spices will highlight the natural sweetness and characteristic chewy crispness of the squid.
• Dried banana squid stir-fried with pepper and garlic: Another attractive way to prepare it is to stir-fry the dried squid with a mixture of ground pepper, fried garlic, and a little butter or cooking oil. The rich aroma and the salty-sweet flavor mixed with a hint of spiciness make this dish ideal for sipping with cold beer.
• Banana squid salad: Soak the dried squid in warm water to soften, then cut into small pieces, mix with green vegetables, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet and sour dressing or mayonnaise. Roasted peanuts or cashews can be added for extra crunch. This salad is fresh, less oily, and suitable for those on a diet.
• Dried banana squid soup: Add the softened squid to a broth simmered from bones (chicken or pork), add vegetables such as white radish, carrots, and green onions. Season to taste to create a fragrant, sweet, and nutritious soup that is delicious when eaten hot.

5. Notes when buying and preserving dried banana squid

To ensure the quality and flavor of dried banana squid, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Prioritize buying from reputable sellers: Choose seafood stores, specialty shops, or brands with clear certifications to ensure the dried squid meets food safety standards.
• Check packaging and product information: Ensure the product is within its expiry date, the packaging is intact, clearly states the origin, and shows no signs of tearing or puncturing.
• Observe the exterior: Choose dried squid with a uniform bright color, straight shape, slightly curled tentacles, and no detached head or body. Avoid buying squid with blackish spots, strange odors, or moisture.
• Seal tightly after use: Once the package is opened, store the remaining squid in a sealed container or zip-lock bag, and you can add a desiccant pack to maintain its dryness and freshness for longer.
• Store in a cool, dry place: After purchasing, keep the squid in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or high humidity areas to reduce the risk of mold. In addition, you can refer to how to properly store dried squid to maintain its quality from Ola Squid.
• Regularly check the purchased squid. If you notice signs of spoilage such as strange odors, mold spots, or changes in color, do not continue to use it.

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Dried banana squid is not only a delicious and convenient snack but also rich in protein, easy to prepare, and suitable for various tastes. If you are looking for a place to buy delicious, authentic dried squid at a reasonable price, don’t hesitate to visit Ola Squid. This is a reputable address specializing in providing fresh and delicious dried squid products with nationwide delivery support. Contact Ola Squid today to receive consultation, preferential quotes, and to enjoy the taste of the sea in every piece of quality dried squid!