Tiếng Việt
ไทยAmong the popular squid varieties available today, dried baby squid are increasingly favored for their bite-sized dimensions, rich sweet meat, and ease of preparation. Not only suitable for family meals, but dried baby squid also serve as an ideal ingredient for appetizers, light parties, or entertaining guests.
In this article, let’s explore what dried baby squid is, its selling price, and suggestions for delicious, simple dried baby squid dishes that anyone can make at home!
1. Understanding Dried Baby Squid
Dried baby squid, also known as baby squid, round squid, or small cuttlefish, are small cuttlefish, typically measuring 2 to 7 cm in length. They have an oval body shape, with the head and body being of similar size. Their outer skin is a light gray color with black speckles when fresh. Dried baby squid are primarily found in the South Central coastal waters of Vietnam, particularly common in Cam Ranh, Binh Thuan, Phan Thiet, etc.
These squid are typically caught by fishermen in the early morning, just as they surface, to ensure maximum freshness. After processing, the squid turn a characteristic milky white color and are kept frozen at deep temperatures to preserve their quality. Despite their small size, dried baby squid have thick, firm, and chewy meat with a naturally sweet and oceanic flavor.
2. How Much Does 1kg of Dried Baby Squid Cost?
The current price for dried baby squid generally ranges from **VND 150,000 to VND 250,000 per kilogram**. This price can vary depending on whether the squid is fresh or frozen, its origin, and the time of purchase. Fresh squid that has been properly preserved typically commands a higher price but offers superior flavor and texture.
To ensure you are purchasing high-quality dried baby squid, it is advisable to choose reputable suppliers with transparent information about their sourcing. When selecting squid, look for clear eyes, firm bodies, and bright skin – these are indicators of fresh and good-quality squid.
3. Nutritional Value of Baby Squid
Beyond their unique sweet flavor, small cuttlefish are also a nutritious food, highly beneficial for health. Here are some of the notable advantages of including this seafood in your diet:
* **Rich in Protein, Low in Fat:** Provides energy and supports muscle growth without contributing to fat accumulation, making it suitable for those on a diet or engaging in sports.
* **Good for Cardiovascular Health:** Thanks to omega-3 fatty acids, squid can help reduce bad cholesterol, support blood circulation, and prevent heart disease.
* **Prevents Anemia:** The high iron content in squid stimulates red blood cell production, which is particularly beneficial for pregnant women, children, and individuals with anemia.
* **Boosts Brain Function:** Omega-3s also contribute to improving memory, protecting nerve cells, and enhancing concentration.
* **Enhances Immunity:** B vitamins, zinc, and essential minerals in squid help strengthen the immune system and support disease prevention.
* **Good for Eyes and Skin:** Vitamin A in squid helps protect vision and supports anti-aging, keeping the skin youthful.
4. How to Prepare Small Cuttlefish
To preserve the freshness and natural flavor of dried baby squid, proper preparation is crucial. Here are simple steps you can follow at home:
* **Rinse the Squid Thoroughly:** Rinse the squid under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand. If you find sand inside the belly, gently remove it with your fingers.
* **Separate Head and Tentacles:** Cut the head from the body. Discard the ink sac if not needed, to prevent the dish from becoming bitter or discolored.
* **Peel the Skin (Optional):** If you want the dish to have a visually appealing white color, you can peel off the thin outer skin of the squid body.
* **Remove the Cartilage:** Gently pull out the transparent, quill-like cartilage from the center of the squid body. This is the characteristic soft bone of cuttlefish.
* **Soak in Light Brine:** Before cooking, soak the squid in lightly salted water for about 5-10 minutes to enhance its crispiness and lightly remove any fishy odor.
5. What Delicious Dishes Can Be Made with Dried Baby Squid?
With their crisp, sweet, and tender meat, dried baby squid are an excellent ingredient for a variety of family meals and appealing appetizers. Here are 5 suggestions for delicious and easy-to-make dishes from baby cuttlefish:
5.1. Stir-fried Baby Squid with Choy Sum
**Stir-fried baby squid with choy sum** is a light, easy-to-make, and highly nutritious dish. The sweet, crisp texture of the squid combined with fresh greens and mushrooms creates a delightful stir-fry that is both a satisfying meal and good for your health.
Ingredients needed:
* Baby squid (round squid)
* Choy Sum, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, chili, ginger
* Mushrooms (optional: shiitake, oyster, enoki, etc.)
* Seasonings: oyster sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, seasoning powder
Steps:
* **Step 1:** Thaw and thoroughly wash the baby squid. You can leave them whole or cut them in half as desired. Wash the choy sum and cut into bite-sized pieces. Soak mushrooms in diluted salt water and then drain. Pound shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and chili to create a marinade.
* **Step 2:** Marinate the squid with the pounded aromatics, a little cooking oil, seasoning powder, salt, pepper, and sugar for 10-15 minutes.
* **Step 3:** Next, heat some oil in a pan, sauté the aromatics until fragrant, then add the squid and stir-fry over high heat until firm. Add the mushrooms and choy sum, stir-fry, then season with oyster sauce and other seasonings to taste. Stir-fry for a few more minutes before turning off the heat.
* **Step 4:** Serve the dish on a plate, garnished with chili flowers and a little cilantro for decoration. It is best enjoyed hot with white rice.
5.2. Satay Grilled Dried Baby Squid
If you love rich and spicy grilled dishes, **satay grilled dried baby squid** is an unmissable choice. The tender and crisp squid is infused with the fiery, aromatic flavor of satay, lemongrass, and garlic, making it perfect for BBQ parties, weekend gatherings, or simply a change of pace for your family meals.
Ingredients:
* Dried baby squid (baby cuttlefish)
* Satay sauce, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots, chili
* Seasonings: oyster sauce, sugar, seasoning powder, a little water
Instructions:
* **Step 1:** Thaw and clean the dried baby squid, both inside and out, then drain. Finely mince lemongrass, garlic, shallots, ginger, and chili.
* **Step 2:** Mix satay sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, seasoning powder, minced aromatics, and a little water to create the marinade. Add the squid to the mixture, stir well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate.
* **Step 3:** Preheat the grill and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Arrange the squid on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. During grilling, brush with more marinade to keep the squid moist and prevent burning.
* **Step 4:** The squid is ready to serve when it’s evenly golden brown on both sides and emits a characteristic aroma. Serve on a platter, accompanied by fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, or grill alongside vegetables like okra, eggplant, and corn for enhanced flavor.
5.3. Small Cuttlefish Salad
**Baby cuttlefish salad** is a delightful appetizer with a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, combining the crisp, sweet squid with fresh vegetables. This dish is not only delicious but also perfect for days when you want a light yet nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
* Small cuttlefish (baby squid)
* Onion, shallots
* Ginger, garlic, chili, tamarind paste
* Cilantro, roasted peanuts, crushed
* Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce
Instructions:
* **Step 1:** Clean the squid, remove the ink sac, rinse thoroughly, and drain. Thinly slice the onion and shallots, soak them in ice water to maintain crispness and reduce pungency. Wash and cut cilantro into pieces. Mince ginger, garlic, and chili.
* **Step 2:** Boil the squid with water, ginger, and a pinch of salt to remove any fishy odor, then cut into bite-sized rings. Next, prepare the dressing by mixing 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 4 tablespoons of tamarind paste, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of chili sauce, and the minced garlic, chili, and ginger. Adjust seasoning to achieve a balanced sweet, sour, spicy, and salty taste.
* **Step 3:** Add the squid, sliced onion, and shallots to a bowl. Gradually pour in the dressing and gently toss to combine, ensuring the ingredients are coated without becoming mushy.
* **Step 4:** Serve the salad on a plate, sprinkled with roasted peanuts and cilantro for added flavor and appeal. Enjoy immediately while chilled to fully appreciate the freshness of the dish.
5.4. Stuffed Cuttlefish
**Stuffed cuttlefish with meat** is a delicious and visually appealing dish, combining the natural sweetness of squid with a rich and savory filling of minced meat, mushrooms, and glass noodles. This dish is perfect for family meals, parties, or special occasions.
Ingredients:
* Small cuttlefish (baby squid): 300-500g (choose medium-sized, thick-bodied ones)
* 150g minced pork
* 20g dried glass noodles
* 2-3 wood ear mushrooms
* ½ carrot
* Scallions, shallots, garlic, pepper, fish sauce, seasoning powder, sugar
Instructions:
* **Step 1:**
* Clean the squid, remove the ink sac and internal organs. Rinse with white wine or crushed ginger to remove any fishy odor, then drain.
* Soak glass noodles in water until soft, then cut into small pieces.
* Soak wood ear mushrooms until softened, rinse, and finely chop.
* Mince shallots and garlic.
* **Step 2:** In a bowl, mix minced pork, glass noodles, chopped wood ear mushrooms, scallions, and shredded carrot (if using), along with minced shallots and garlic. Season with 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder, a pinch of pepper, and sugar. Mix well and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
* **Step 3:** Stuff the meat filling into the squid bodies. Do not overfill, as the filling will expand during cooking. Use toothpicks to secure the opening of the squid to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
* **Step 4:** Heat oil in a pan and place the stuffed squid in it. Fry the squid for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Then, prepare a sauce with fish sauce, sugar, water, and pepper, and simmer until the sauce thickens.
* **Step 5:** Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a plate. Garnish with fresh herbs, cucumber, or tomatoes. Serve hot with white rice or vermicelli for a delicious meal.
6. Notes on Storing and Thawing Dried Baby Squid
To maintain the freshness and natural flavor of dried baby squid, it’s important to store and thaw them correctly. Here are some key considerations:
* If you plan to use the squid within 1-2 days, store them in a sealed container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator’s fresh food compartment.
* For squid that will not be used immediately, it’s best to freeze them by placing them in a zip-top bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible before storing in the freezer. This helps preserve their quality and prevents them from drying out or absorbing freezer odors.
* If you need to thaw the squid naturally, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator about 8-12 hours before cooking. This is the best method to maintain their freshness and texture.
* If you need to thaw them quickly, keep the squid in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water with a little salt and a few ice cubes. Avoid exposing the squid directly to water or thawing them at room temperature, as this can encourage bacterial growth.
* After thawing, rinse the squid with white wine or crushed ginger to eliminate any fishy smell.
* When cooking, avoid overcooking the squid. Dried baby squid only need to be cooked until just done to retain their crisp and sweet flavor. Overcooking will make the squid tough and release excess water, affecting the dish’s taste.
The article above provides detailed information about the characteristics, pricing, preparation methods, and delicious dish suggestions for dried baby squid. Thank you for reading. If you wish to learn more about other types of squid, such as dried squid, flattened dried squid, etc., be sure to visit olasquid.com!
