Dried squid
Flattened dried squid
Seasoned Shredded Squid
Dried squid snack
Tiếng Việt
ไทยBaby dried squid is a type of seafood well-known in Vietnam’s coastal regions, standing out for its thick body, firm flesh, and versatility in various delicious dishes. However, not everyone knows what baby dried squid is, how to distinguish it from squid, cuttlefish, or bigfin reef squid, as well as how to choose the best and highest quality. In the following article, Ola Squid will help you answer these questions and suggest appealing dishes made from baby dried squid.
What is baby dried squid? Distinguishing it from other types of squid
baby dried squid is a name used in some coastal regions to refer to a type of squid with a quite flat body, thick flesh, and well-developed fins. Depending on the locality, baby dried squid may also be called by other names, so buyers should ask clearly about its origin to avoid confusion with similarly shaped squids.
Regarding identification features, baby dried squid usually has a flat body, thick flesh, and wide fins, with skin color ranging from transparent white, ivory white to reddish-brown depending on freshness and condition. The size is quite diverse, and the flesh is firm with good elasticity when fresh. When dried, the squid flesh becomes firmer and chewier, making it suitable for grilling, frying, or stir-frying.
Baby dried squid shares several similar characteristics with popular types of squid, so a quick glance can easily lead to confusion.
| Squid type | Identification features | Flesh characteristics |
| Baby dried squid | Flat body, thick flesh, quite wide fins | Firm flesh, sweet flavor, moderate chewiness |
| Squid | Long, cylindrical body like a tube, fins located at the end of the body | Crispy, sweet flesh, tender when cooked properly |
| Cuttlefish | Short, flat, and thick body, containing a hard internal shell | Thick, crispy, deeply sweet flesh |
| Bigfin reef squid | Flat, oval body, large fins running along the entire body | Thick, tender, sweet, and quite crispy flesh |
Baby dried squid is harvested in many coastal regions of Vietnam, especially in areas with well-developed squid fishing industries in the Central and Southern regions. Depending on the season and fishing grounds, the size and output of the squid may vary, leading to differences in quality and selling price.
See more: Popular types of squid in Vietnam and how to recognize them
Current prices of fresh and dried baby dried squid
The price of baby dried squid on the market is not fixed and varies depending on size, number of pieces/kg, origin, season, and preservation method. According to reference prices from sales sources, baby dried squid typically ranges from 700,000 – 1,500,000 VND/kg, with large-sized, thick-fleshed, and naturally sun-dried squid usually commanding a higher price.
| Type of baby dried squid | Reference specification | Reference price range |
| Fresh baby dried squid | Small size, many pieces/kg (About 15 – 25 pieces/kg) | About 150,000 – 250,000 VND/kg |
| Fresh baby dried squid | Medium size (About 10 – 14 pieces/kg) | About 250,000 – 350,000 VND/kg |
| Dried baby dried squid | About 20 – 35 pieces/kg | About 500,000 – 650,000 VND/kg |
See more: Update on the latest price list for various fresh squids
How to choose delicious, high-quality baby dried squid
Choosing the right baby dried squid not only helps dishes retain their natural sweetness and chewiness but also minimizes purchasing poor-quality products. Depending on whether it is fresh or dried squid, you can rely on the following signs to make your selection easier.
How to choose fresh baby dried squid
Delicious fresh baby dried squid usually has bright skin, clear eyes, a firm body, and good elasticity. When gently pressing your hand against the body, the flesh quickly returns to its original state without feeling mushy or sinking deeply. You should also choose ones with heads and tentacles firmly attached to the body, free from slime and unusual odors.
Criteria for recognizing delicious dried baby dried squid
Quality baby dried squid typically features natural color, a dry surface, firm flesh, and no mold. When smelled, the squid has a characteristic aroma without any musty, sour, or strange odors; the flesh is not overly damp, slimy, or prone to crumbling.
You should prioritize products with clear origins, properly packaged and preserved. Especially if the squid is unusually cheap compared to the general market, carefully check the quality and source before buying.
See more:
What delicious dishes can be made from baby dried squid?
Baby dried squid has firm flesh and a natural sweet flavor, making it suitable for processing into many appealing dishes, from simple family meals to rich drinking snacks. Depending on whether you use fresh or baby dried squid, you can choose the appropriate cooking method to preserve the characteristic flavor of the ingredient.
Delicious dishes from fresh baby dried squid
With fresh baby dried squid, you can make appetizing home-cooked dishes such as:
Steamed baby dried squid with ginger and scallions
Steamed baby dried squid with ginger and scallions has a simple preparation method while perfectly retaining the natural sweetness and crunchiness of the squid. Ginger and scallions help eliminate fishy odors and create a gentle aroma, making it great when served hot with ginger fish sauce.
See more: How to make delicious, non-fishy steamed squid with ginger
Stir-fried baby dried squid with vegetables
Baby dried squid stir-fried with onions, bell peppers, celery, or pineapple creates a dish that is both visually appealing and flavorful. The squid should be stir-fried quickly over high heat so that the flesh is just cooked, avoiding toughness while maintaining its crunchiness.
Similar delicious dishes: How to make crispy, sweet, and flavorful stir-fried squid with vegetables that everyone loves
Grilled baby dried squid with salt and chili
Fresh squid marinated with salt and chili then grilled until slightly charred releases an extremely enticing aroma. The salty and spicy taste blending with the natural sweetness of the squid makes this dish perfect for family and friend gatherings.
Similar delicious dishes: How to make fragrant and spicy satay grilled squid like in restaurants
Delicious dishes from dried baby dried squid
Baby dried squid is usually used for grilling, deep-frying, tamarind glazing, or spicy stir-frying with rich spices.
Crispy fried dried baby dried squid
After being soaked until softened, baby dried squid is coated with a layer of crispy frying flour, seasoned to taste, and fried over medium heat. The outer layer is golden and ultra-crispy, while the inside squid still retains its characteristic chewy and aromatic texture. This dish is suitable as a snack or a drinking accompaniment, increasingly addictive the more you eat.
Similar delicious dishes: How to make amazingly delicious crispy and breaded fried squid at home
Stir-fried baby dried squid with lemongrass and chili
Baby dried squid is softened and then quickly stir-fried with lemongrass, garlic, chili, and familiar spices. The pungent aroma of lemongrass blends with the mild spiciness of chili, highlighting the rich flavor and chewy, sweet texture of the squid. The dish can be served with hot rice or used as a drinking snack during family and friend gatherings.
Similar delicious dishes: Revealing how to make delicious stir-fried squid with lemongrass and chili, increasingly addictive the more you eat
Grilled baby dried squid with salt and chili
Dried squid is grilled over glowing charcoal until fragrant, then mixed with salt, minced garlic, chili powder, and herbs. The pungent spiciness of the spices blends with the natural sweetness and characteristic chewiness of the squid to create an exceptionally appetizing dish. This is an ideal choice for drinking sessions with friends or meals where you want to change up your palate.
Baby dried squid in tamarind sauce
Dried squid is softened and then evenly coated with a sweet and sour tamarind sauce, combined with coconut water, garlic, chili, and herbs. The gentle sourness of tamarind blends with the clean sweetness and mild spice, making the squid flesh richer and easier to eat. The dish features an appealing color, charming aroma, and is especially suitable to enjoy with hot rice or as a drinking snack.
See more: What delicious dishes can be made from dried squid? Top 16 easy-to-make delicious dishes at home
Hopefully, the above information has helped you clearly understand what baby dried squid is, how to select it, and how to choose suitable dishes. If you love the delicious and convenient flavor of dried squid to enjoy at home, you can explore more dried squid products at Ola Squid!
