Tiếng Việt
ไทยSteamed lemongrass squid is a simple yet delicious, easy-to-eat, and highly nutritious dish. With the combination of the crisp sweetness of fresh squid and the subtle aroma of lemongrass, this dish not only satisfies adults but also delights children. Let’s discover how to cook delicious, authentic steamed lemongrass squid at home in the article below!
What is Steamed Lemongrass Squid?
Steamed lemongrass squid is a dish prepared by steaming fresh squid with lemongrass and a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients such as ginger, chili, lemon, and white wine. This process helps to retain the natural sweetness of the squid and eliminate its characteristic fishy odor. Unlike fried or stir-fried dishes that are high in oil, steamed lemongrass squid is light and low in fat, making it suitable for those on a diet or a healthy eating regimen.
Ingredients for Steamed Lemongrass Squid
To make delicious and authentic steamed lemongrass squid that is not fishy, you need to prepare the following ingredients:
- 1kg fresh squid
- 3 stalks of lemongrass, 2 bulbs of ginger
- 1 lemon and 5-7 lime leaves
- Seasonings such as salt, seasoning powder, pepper, fish sauce, sugar
How to Make Delicious Steamed Lemongrass Squid at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Squid and Ingredients
Rinse the squid thoroughly under cold running water. Gently remove the ink sac, innards, and the outer membrane if you want the squid to look white and appealing. To eliminate the fishy smell, you can soak the squid in diluted saltwater or white wine mixed with ginger for a few minutes, then rinse again and drain.
Peel the outer layers of the lemongrass, cut it into stalks about 5-7 cm long, and then lightly crush them to enhance the aroma during steaming. Wash the lime leaves, drain them, and you can tear them or leave them whole, as you prefer.
Step 2: Steam the Squid
Next, place a steamer pot on the stove, add water to the bottom, and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to heat up, place the lemongrass stalks and lime leaves at the bottom of the steamer. After about 2-3 minutes, when the aroma fills the air, carefully arrange the squid in the steamer and cover it tightly. Steam for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the squid. The squid is best when just cooked, remaining tender and juicy without being tough.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
When the squid turns opaque white and its body firms up, turn off the heat. Let the squid sit in the pot for another 1-2 minutes to fully absorb the aroma from the lemongrass and lime leaves. Finally, transfer the squid to a plate, garnish with a few slices of fresh chili, sprinkle a little ground pepper if desired, and enjoy while hot to fully experience the flavor.
How to Make Ginger Fish Sauce Dip for Steamed Lemongrass Squid
Steamed lemongrass squid is even more delicious when served with a rich and aromatic dipping sauce. One of the most suitable dips is ginger fish sauce, which offers a harmonious blend of salty and sweet flavors, with a pungent aroma that stimulates the appetite.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl: 2 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of good quality fish sauce, 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, along with minced ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and chili. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The result is a slightly thick fish sauce with a rich, balanced sweet and sour taste, complemented by the distinctive aroma of ginger and lemongrass, and a mild spiciness from the chili.
Enjoying Authentic Steamed Lemongrass Squid
Steamed lemongrass squid is best enjoyed hot, just cooked to perfection, to fully appreciate its tender, sweet, and fragrant texture. Letting it cool or reheating it can make the squid fishy and reduce its flavor. You can serve this dish with white rice for a meal or as a light appetizer for weekend gatherings.
When eating, don’t forget to dip the squid in salt, pepper, and lime, or the ginger fish sauce to enhance its savory taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, simply add a few slices of fresh chili for a perfect flavor that is fragrant, pungent, and irresistible.
Tips for Better Steamed Lemongrass Squid
To ensure your steamed lemongrass squid is flavorful and nutritious, keep the following tips in mind:
- When cleaning the squid, be sure to completely remove the ink sac, innards, and stomach contents. Incomplete cleaning can lead to a bitter taste and unpleasant odor.
- Steaming the squid whole helps the meat retain its natural crispness and sweetness, preventing it from drying out after cooking.
- Depending on the size of the squid, steam it for no more than 10 minutes. Overcooking will make the squid tough and lose its natural sweetness.
- Although rich in nutrients, squid is high in protein, so avoid consuming too much in one sitting, especially for young children, individuals with weak digestion, or those with gout, or seafood allergies.
- When serving, it’s best to accompany the dish with white rice, green vegetables, or dipping sauces like salt, pepper, lime, or ginger fish sauce to balance the flavors and enhance the nutritional value of the meal.
Other Delicious Steamed Squid Dishes
Besides the delicious steamed lemongrass squid that retains the natural sweetness of the squid, there are many other attractive steamed squid dishes you shouldn’t miss. Each dish offers a unique flavor, allowing you to easily change your menu and refresh your family meals.
- Steamed Squid with Coconut Water: This dish uses fresh coconut water for steaming with the squid, creating a uniquely sweet, refreshing, and fragrant flavor. The rich coconut water blends with the sweetness of the squid meat, making the dish more savory and appealing. You can add a little ginger and lemongrass to enhance the rich flavor.
- Steamed Squid with Beer: The unique combination of fresh squid and cold beer makes the squid meat more tender, while also imparting a slightly bitter taste, making it very suitable for parties or as a snack.
- Steamed Squid with Ginger and Scallions: Fresh ginger combined with scallions helps to eliminate the fishy smell of the squid, thereby creating a warm, pungent aroma that stimulates the palate. Tender, crisp squid with a fragrant ginger and scallion scent will surely delight you.
- Steamed Squid with Guava Leaves: Fresh guava leaves impart a characteristic aroma, making the steamed squid dish lighter and more refreshing. This is a choice for those who prefer natural, less intense flavors.
The article above provides a simple yet nutritious recipe for steamed lemongrass squid. We hope that with these detailed instructions, you will successfully make this delicious dish to treat your family. To discover more exciting recipes using dried and fresh squid, tips on choosing squid, and quality squid products, don’t forget to follow olasquid.com!
