How to Sun-Dry Squid Correctly to Preserve Natural Sweetness

Dried squid is a beloved specialty for its rich, savory sweetness, distinct chewy texture, and versatility in creating many attractive dishes. However, to obtain high-quality dried squid that retains the natural sweetness of fresh squid, the process of drying squid requires meticulous attention from ingredient selection to preparation, drying, and preservation. The following article will guide you through detailed steps for properly drying squid.

1. How to Choose Fresh, Delicious Squid for Drying

To make delicious, sweet, and chewy dried squid, selecting fresh squid is crucial. Here are some tips for choosing fresh, delicious squid that you shouldn’t miss:

• Shape: Squid has a flat, egg-shaped body with thick, long fins that extend around the body like a cloak.
• Color: Choose squid with shiny, naturally purplish-brown skin, not pale or greenish. Fresh squid typically has clear, attractive colors.

• Squid Body: Prioritize squid with thick, firm flesh, free from scratches or bruising. When pressed, you should feel good elasticity.
• Eyes and Tentacles: The eyes should be clear and bright, and the tentacles should be firmly attached to the body, firm, not mushy or detached.
• Smell: Fresh squid has a mild, characteristic seafood smell. Avoid squid that smells sour or foul.

2. How to Prepare Fresh Squid for Drying

Proper preparation is a crucial step to ensure the dried squid is clean, fragrant, and free of any fishy smell after drying. Here’s a simple and clean squid preparation process you can follow at home:

• Step 1 – Clean the Innards and Head:

• • Lightly rinse the squid under running water to remove sand and dirt from the outside.
  • Use a knife to gently make an incision along the squid’s belly and pull out all the innards. Be careful with the ink sac to avoid breaking it. If the sac breaks, immediately rinse under running water to remove the black color and fishy smell.
  • Gently squeeze the head to remove the beak (also known as the hard jaw) and make a small cut to remove the eyes.

• Step 2 – Clean the Squid Surface:

• • Use a soft brush or your hands to gently scrub the squid’s skin to remove slime and dirt.
  • If necessary, rinse again with diluted saltwater to deodorize and clean more thoroughly.

• Step 3 – Drain: After cleaning, place the squid in a colander or tray to drain naturally. Do not wring it out forcefully, as this can damage the squid’s flesh.

3. Detailed Steps for Drying Squid

Drying squid is the process that determines the flavor, chewiness, sweetness, and color of the finished dried squid. Depending on your conditions and processing scale, you can choose the traditional method of natural sun-drying or use a drying oven.

The traditional method is favored by many because it helps the squid retain its characteristic aroma and natural sweetness after drying. Here are detailed instructions for sun-drying squid:

• Drying Location:

• • Choose a well-ventilated area with continuous sunlight, far from dusty or humid places.
  • Avoid drying near busy roads or areas with many insects, flies, and mosquitoes to ensure hygiene.

• How to Hang Squid:

• • Hanging Method: Thread a copper wire or aluminum hook through the squid’s tail and hang it on a rack. This helps the squid maintain its straight shape and thick body without flattening.
  • Tray/Net Method: Arrange the squid on a mesh tray, ensuring they do not overlap. While simple, the squid may become flattened and thinner compared to the hanging method.

• Drying Time and Duration:

• • Dry in the early morning, from around 7 AM to before 10 AM, is best. This is when the sunlight is gentle, not too harsh.
  • Avoid the intense midday sun, which can cause the squid to dry too quickly, becoming tough and losing its sweetness.
  • On average, 3-5 days of good sunlight are needed for the squid to reach the standard dryness. Throughout the process, you should flip the squid regularly every few hours to ensure even drying on all sides.
  • When the squid is dried to the right level, it should feel dry on the surface with a slight chewiness inside. Do not over-dry, as this will make the squid brittle and lose its sweetness.

If you live in a city or lack a suitable outdoor space, using a drying oven is a quick and convenient solution. Here’s how to dry squid using an oven:

• Arrange the squid on baking trays, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Set the temperature to 50-60°C and dry for about 4-6 hours, depending on the thickness of the squid.
• Slightly open the oven door or use a gentle fan to help the squid dry evenly and prevent steaming.

See more: Top 10 Quality Dried Squid Manufacturers in Vietnam

4. How to Preserve Dried Squid

After the drying process is complete, proper preservation is essential to maintain the full flavor and natural sweetness of the dried squid. Whether you make it at home or buy it, improper storage can lead to mold, loss of aroma, or reduced quality.

• Preserving dried squid for short periods (1-2 weeks):
  • Wrap the squid in clean newspaper, then place it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
  • Avoid storing near the kitchen or areas with frequent temperature fluctuations.

• Long-term preservation of dried squid in the refrigerator:
  • Wrap the dried squid in several layers of newspaper, then wrap it again with plastic wrap or a thick plastic bag to seal in odor and prevent moisture.
  • Place the squid in the freezer. When needed, take out the appropriate amount, rinse it, and cook it without thawing.
  • With this method, the squid can be preserved for 6 months to 1 year, maintaining its chewiness, sweetness, and preventing spoilage.

5. Where to Buy Delicious and Reputable Dried Squid

If you don’t have the conditions to dry squid yourself, finding a reputable supplier of quality dried squid is essential. Ola Squid is a trustworthy choice for those who love high-quality dried seafood. Here are the reasons why Ola Squid is highly rated by many customers:

• All products, from whole dried squid, shredded seasoned squid, to flattened seasoned squid, are processed under strict procedures, ensuring food safety and hygiene before reaching consumers.
• Ola Squid is committed to using fresh, clean squid ingredients with clear origins, without mixing any foreign substances like harmful chemicals or fake squid.
• Products are carefully packaged, with sealed packaging and clear labels indicating origin, production date, and usage instructions, giving customers peace of mind when purchasing.
• Prices at Ola Squid are commensurate with quality, suitable for both family consumption and as gifts. Special discounts are available for bulk orders.
• Attentive customer service provides advice on choosing delicious dried squid, how to preserve dried squid to retain its sweetness, and nationwide delivery support if you cannot visit the store in person.

Drying squid may seem simple, but it requires meticulousness from selecting the squid, preparing it, to the drying and preservation methods. However, if you lack the time or conditions to dry squid yourself, contact Ola Squid immediately to enjoy delicious, authentic dried squid. One of the reliable choices is Ola Squid, offering a variety of products, especially our whole dried squid, which is chewy and authentically tastes of the sea.

Let Ola Squid be your companion for delicious meals and meaningful gifts for your loved ones.