Tiếng Việt
ไทยIf you have ever set foot on Con Dao island, you will surely never forget the wonderful flavor of Con Dao sun-dried squid. Each fresh squid, after being dried under a single sun, still retains its natural sweetness, thick chewy meat, and fragrant aroma when grilled. Not only a favorite dish of tourists, Con Dao sun-dried squid is a specialty that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who has ever tasted it. Below, let’s join Ola Squid to learn more details about this type of squid!
1. What is Con Dao sun-dried squid?
Origin and unique characteristics of Con Dao sun-dried squid
Con Dao sun-dried squid is made from fresh squid, caught directly by local fishermen in the pristine waters around the island. After being brought ashore, the squid is cleaned, the ink sac removed, and dried for only one day under intense sunlight. Thanks to this standard drying technique, the squid achieves a moderate dryness on the outside while the inside still retains its fresh sweetness, soft texture, and full nutrients like fresh squid.
More than just a dish with a bold ocean flavor, Con Dao sun-dried squid is also considered the essence of local cuisine. The squid has a natural pink color, a characteristic aroma, and a lingering sweet taste that makes this specialty the top choice for tourists visiting the island. Besides its culinary value, sun-dried squid is also a meaningful gift, containing the essence of the ocean to give to relatives and friends after each visit to Con Dao.
Difference between Con Dao sun-dried squid and other types of sun-dried squid
The squid in Con Dao is caught directly from the deep, clean sea, and is almost unaffected by pollution. It is this special natural environment that helps each squid here have a thick body, firm meat, and a much richer sweet taste than squid caught in other sea areas.
Beyond the quality, the processing also creates a big difference. The people of Con Dao still maintain traditional manual drying methods. After catching, the squid is cleaned and dried under the harsh sun for exactly one day, so the squid is just dry enough, not sunburnt, while the meat inside still retains moisture, softness, and fresh natural flavor.
2. Nutritional value and health benefits of Con Dao sun-dried squid
Not only attractive for its characteristic fresh sweetness, Con Dao sun-dried squid is also known as a food rich in nutritional value, bringing many wonderful health benefits.
- In 100g of sun-dried squid, there are about 92 kcal and more than 15g of protein, providing an abundant energy source that helps the body maintain endurance, develop muscles, and effectively regenerate cells.
- This seafood also contains many essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, D, E, B group (especially B12 and B3), along with trace elements such as copper, iron, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and potassium. As a result, sun-dried squid helps strengthen the immune system, support the nervous system, improve memory, and maintain the flexibility of joints.
- Additionally, the natural Omega-3 content in squid and low saturated fat contribute to reducing bad cholesterol, protecting cardiovascular health, supporting brain development, while helping to regulate blood pressure, purify the body, and slow down the aging process.
See more: How much is Phu Yen dried squid and where to buy?
3. How to choose and preserve quality Con Dao sun-dried squid
To fully enjoy the sweet, fragrant flavor and maintain the nutritional value of Con Dao sun-dried squid, choosing and preserving it correctly is extremely important.
- When choosing to buy, you should prioritize squid that has a natural white-pink color, a dry and clear surface, and does not turn yellow or unusually pale white; these are signs that the squid has been dried under the right sun and is still fresh.
- The characteristic gentle ocean aroma is also a way to identify delicious squid; absolutely avoid those with a fishy or strange smell.
- Additionally, high-quality squid usually has a thick body, firm meat, and good elasticity when touched, not being mushy or too hard.
- For Grade A sun-dried squid, there are usually 2-4 pieces per 500g, showing that the squid has been carefully selected for uniform size and superior quality.
- You should choose to buy at reputable addresses or authentic Con Dao specialty stores to ensure real squid, without mixing or industrial drying.
Regarding preservation:
- Sun-dried squid needs to be kept at temperatures below -18°C in the freezer to ensure long-term freshness.
- When not in use, you should keep the squid in a sealed package or wrap it with food wrap to avoid dehydration and odor mixing from other foods.
- When thawing is needed, move the squid from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment for a few hours or overnight so the squid melts gradually and retains its natural sweetness.
- If rapid thawing is required, you can soak the squid in cold water mixed with a little salt (while still sealed), absolutely do not use hot water or a microwave because it will make the squid meat chewy and lose flavor. After thawing, you only need to rinse lightly with clean water and let it drain before cooking.
See more: How to preserve dried squid correctly to maintain quality and flavor
4. What delicious dishes to make with Con Dao sun-dried squid?
Con Dao sun-dried squid is famous for its natural sweetness, perfect soft-chewy texture, and ease of being processed into many attractive, flavorful dishes. Below are the most loved delicious dishes:
Grilled sun-dried squid with chili salt, satay
Sun-dried squid grilled with satay or chili salt over red charcoal releases a seductive aroma, with the outer layer slightly charred while the inside remains soft, sweet, and infused with the spicy and salty taste of chili salt or satay. When enjoyed with lime chili salt or chili sauce and Vietnamese coriander, the sweetness of the squid blends with the spicy kick, making everyone praise it. This dish is especially suitable for outdoor parties or light drinking sessions with family and friends.
Crispy fried sun-dried squid, fragrant stir-fry
If you love crispiness and richness, you can try crispy fried sun-dried squid right away. When fried golden brown, each piece of squid gives off a fragrance, being crispy on the outside but still soft and sweet inside. In addition, stir-fried sun-dried squid (with garlic, onions and celery, satay, or tamarind) is also a great suggestion for daily meals. This dish is not only appetizing with rice but also retains the characteristic sweetness of the squid, blending with rustic spices to create an irresistible flavor.
Hotpots and salads with Con Dao sun-dried squid
Sun-dried squid can also be transformed into many other nutrient-rich dishes. Sour and spicy sun-dried squid hotpot is a perfect choice for cold days with a sweet seafood broth blending with the mild spiciness of satay, making everyone who tastes it praise the deliciousness. In addition, sun-dried squid salad mixed with green mango or Vietnamese coriander and fried shallots is also an attractive appetizer, bringing a harmonious fresh, sour, and spicy flavor.
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5. Where to buy authentic Con Dao sun-dried squid at a good price?
To buy Con Dao sun-dried squid with the right flavor and quality at a reasonable price, you should choose:
- When on Con Dao island or preparing to buy online, prioritize local stores on Con Dao or reputable distributors off the island with clear origins. Locations in Con Dao such as seafood markets and clean processing facilities are always noted as reliable places to buy.
- If you are in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces, you can find official distribution agents with clear origin certification, traceability stamps, and vacuum packaging. This will help you avoid buying counterfeit goods or squid dried under multiple suns, losing its characteristic sweetness.
- Additionally, you can also refer to and buy online on e-commerce platforms (Shopee, TikTokshop, Lazada, etc.) from highly-rated Con Dao specialty stores.
See more: List of 13+ reputable and quality addresses selling Da Nang sun-dried squid
6. Frequently asked questions about Con Dao sun-dried squid
6.1. Does sun-dried squid need to be rinsed before cooking?
Con Dao sun-dried squid has usually been cleaned before drying; however, after thawing, you should rinse it lightly with clean water to remove the natural salt layer or dust accumulated during preservation. Then let it drain and you can cook immediately to keep the full natural sweetness of the squid.
6.2. How long is the shelf life of sun-dried squid?
If properly preserved in the freezer at temperatures below -18°C, sun-dried squid can be used for 6 months to 1 year while still maintaining its flavor and quality. For squid kept in the refrigerator compartment, you should only use it within 3-5 days to ensure freshness.
6.3. Is sun-dried squid a specialty only found in Con Dao?
Sun-dried squid is not only found in Con Dao but also in many other coastal regions of Vietnam; however, Con Dao sun-dried squid is more famous than most thanks to the fresh squid source from clean waters, along with unique traditional sun-drying techniques. This creates a richer sweet taste, thicker meat, and much more fragrance compared to squid from other regions.
Con Dao sun-dried squid is not only attractive for its characteristic flavor but also a rich source of nutrients. Hopefully, the above article has helped you clearly understand how to preserve, choose, and process this type of squid. To discover more quality dried squid products from Ola Squid and other exciting information, don’t forget to visit olasquid.com today!
Ola Squid introduces a series of high-quality whole dried squid, dried under the right sun and safely preserved for every delicious meal.
