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Dried squid (dried giant squid) is one of the dried squid varieties with a quite accessible price, yet it leaves many people concerned about its quality and safety. Not a few people wonder what dried giant squid is, whether it is toxic, if it tastes good, and why its price is much cheaper than many other types of dried squid? In this article, Ola Squid will help you answer the above questions, while also sharing how to recognize and choose quality dried giant squid.

What is dried giant squid (ghost squid)?

Dried giant squid (also known as ghost squid, oceanic giant squid) is a type of squid caught in offshore waters and then processed, sun-dried, or dehydrated for preservation. Depending on the locality, sellers may use different names, but generally, they all refer to the oceanic giant squid group.

Giant squid has a relatively large body, long torso, wide fins, and thick meat. When dried, the squid usually has a reddish-brown or dark brown color, a dry surface, and a fairly large size compared to many common types of dried squid. These are characteristics that can help buyers recognize giant squid right from the outside.

Regarding quality, giant squid meat is quite thick and firm but usually chewier and harder than hand-caught squid, with a stronger flavor that can be slightly bitter or mildly astringent. Therefore, giant squid is typically suitable for grilled, fried, or stir-fried dishes with rich spices.

Giant squid is harvested mainly in the Central coastal region and offshore waters of Vietnam, with Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Quang Nam, and Da Nang being localities with a fairly common source of giant squid raw materials. After being caught, the squid is usually processed and sun-dried right on the boat or brought ashore to be made into dried squid.

Is dried giant squid toxic? Is it safe to eat?

Dried giant squid is not toxic and can still be used as food if it is harvested, processed, prepared, and preserved correctly. However, due to uneven squid quality on the market, buyers should still pay attention to the origin and condition of the product before use.

Many people wonder why giant squid has a bitter, mildly astringent taste and fairly chewy meat? This is primarily a natural characteristic of this type of squid, not a sign that the squid contains toxins. Compared to hand-caught squid or premium dried squid, giant squid usually has harder meat and a stronger flavor, so when cooking, it needs to be thoroughly marinated to make the dish easier to eat and more delicious.

What is worth noting is poor-quality dried squid or improperly handled squid. Some establishments may use chemicals or color-bleaching agents to make products look eye-catching, conceal signs of old ingredients, or improve appearance. Therefore, you should prioritize buying dried giant squid with a clear origin and complete product information, free of strange odors, unusual colors, or signs of mold.

Note: Do not equate natural giant squid with chemically treated products. If the squid has a pungent odor, an overly white color, or looks unusually attractive, you should consider carefully before buying.

How much does dried giant squid cost per 1kg currently?

The price of dried giant squid currently varies quite a lot depending on size, source, and sales format. Dried giant squid ranges in price from about 100,000 – 350,000 VND/kg, while larger sizes or carefully selected types can be more expensive.

You can refer to the price range below to easily visualize when choosing to buy:

Note: The above prices are for reference at the time of updating, not a fixed price list. Retail prices may be higher than wholesale prices depending on the source, dryness, packaging specifications, and shipping costs.

Factors affecting the price of dried giant squid

It is not true that the larger the giant squid size, the same the price. The price also depends on harvesting source, squid size, dryness, season, and finished product quality.

• Size: Larger squids with thicker and better meat usually have higher prices.
• Dryness: Squids dried to a good level of dryness, with firm meat and fewer fragments, usually cost more than those with higher moisture content.
• Source: Squids harvested directly from the sea with a clear origin usually have a different price compared to goods passing through many intermediaries.
• Purchase format: Wholesale prices at the source are usually significantly lower than retail prices which include packaging, shipping, and distribution costs.
• Timing: Harvesting yield and supply at different times can also cause prices to fluctuate.

Why is dried giant squid cheaper than grade-1 dried squid? Compared to grade-1 hand-caught dried squid which costs about 1.5 – 1.75 million VND/kg for a size of 7-10 pcs/kg, dried giant squid usually only costs several hundred thousand VND/kg. This disparity mainly comes from meat quality and commercial value: hand-caught squid has softer, sweeter, and more fragrant meat, whereas giant squid is usually chewy, hard, and can be slightly bitter or mildly astringent.

Therefore, cheap dried giant squid does not mean fake or toxic squid, but simply belongs to a more affordable segment, suitable for frying or cooking with rich spices.

See more: Update detailed dried squid prices for each type

How to choose quality dried giant squid

Dried giant squid has a quite reasonable price, but the quality on the market is not entirely the same. To choose a delicious and safe product, you should carefully check color, odor, dryness, and origin instead of relying solely on the selling price.

• Color: The squid has a natural reddish-brown or dark brown color, relatively uniform, not unusually white or bright.
• Odor: It has the characteristic aroma of dried squid, with no foul, moldy, burnt, or chemical odors.
• Surface: The dried squid is dry, clean, not slimy, with no mold spots or signs of moisture.
• Squid meat: The squid body is firm, with natural chewiness, not overly mushy or crumbly when held.
• Origin: Prioritize products with clear information regarding the harvesting, processing, packaging, and preservation locations.

In particular, you should be cautious with products that are unusually cheap, significantly lower than the general market rate. An overly low price may be a sign of poor-quality ingredients, increased moisture content, improper storage, or unclear sourcing.

See more: How to choose delicious dried squid based on seasoned fishermen’s experience

What delicious dishes can be made from dried giant squid?

Dried giant squid has quite chewy and firm meat, making it suitable for preparation methods with rich, spicy, and aromatic spices. If you know how to soften and marinate it, this type of squid can still become an attractive dish, especially well-suited as a drinking snack or finger food.

Dried giant squid grilled with satay

Dried giant squid grilled with satay stands out with its pungent aroma, making the squid meat richer and easier to eat. The squid should be softened and marinated with satay, along with a little sugar and cooking oil before grilling so that the spices adhere evenly. Grill until the squid is just firm and slightly charred at the edges to enjoy immediately.

Similar delicious dish: 5 ways to grill delicious dried squid with authentic flavor right at home

Dried giant squid grilled with salt and chili

Dried giant squid grilled with salt and chili has a harmonious salty and spicy taste, very suitable as a snack or to nibble on with friends. Before grilling, you should soften the squid and then evenly brush the salt and chili mixture onto both sides so that the spices soak into the meat. When the squid gives off an aroma and its edges turn slightly yellow, take it out and shred it for the best taste.

Dried giant squid fried with fish sauce

Dried giant squid fried with fish sauce features a rich outer layer, fragrant with garlic and chili and a well-balanced salty-sweet taste. The squid is lightly fried and then quickly tossed with fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chili so that the sauce coats the outside evenly. This dish should be enjoyed hot to fully feel the chewy and aromatic texture of the squid along with the rich sauce.

Similar delicious dish: How to make irresistibly delicious simple dried squid fried with fish sauce

Spicy stir-fried dried giant squid

Spicy stir-fried dried giant squid combines chewy, firm squid meat with the spicy and fragrant taste of satay, lemongrass, and chili, creating a very appetizing dish. You should soften and marinate the squid before stir-frying so that the spices penetrate deeper into each muscle fiber. Quickly stir-fry over high heat until the squid becomes firm and fragrant, then you can turn off the stove.

Quick tip: Because giant squid meat is usually chewier than premium dried squid varieties, you can marinate it with spices a little longer or soften the squid before cooking. This method helps the spices penetrate deeply, makes the meat softer, and results in a richer, more appealing dish.

See more: How to make deliciously authentic spicy dried squid at home

Frequently asked questions about dried giant squid

Is dried giant squid the same as ghost squid?

The answer is yes. Dried giant squid and ghost squid are actually names commonly used to refer to the same type of oceanic giant squid. Depending on the region or the seller, the name may vary.

Is dried giant squid toxic?

No. Dried giant squid is not a toxic squid and can be used as food if harvested, processed, and preserved correctly. A slightly bitter, mildly astringent taste or chewy meat is a natural characteristic of the squid, not a sign that the squid is toxic.

How much does dried giant squid cost?

The price of dried giant squid usually ranges from about 100,000 – 350,000 VND/kg, depending on size, dryness, source, and time of purchase. Large-sized squid, good quality, or carefully packaged and preserved squid usually cost more.

Does dried giant squid taste good?

Dried giant squid has meat that is chewy, firm, and strongly flavored, but it is usually not as soft, sweet, and fragrant as grade-1 hand-caught squid. This type of squid tastes better when grilled, fried with fish sauce, or stir-fried spicy with rich spices.

How long can dried giant squid be preserved?

If properly dried and tightly preserved, dried giant squid can be used for several months while still maintaining its quality. To preserve it longer, you should wrap the squid tightly, limit exposure to air, and place it in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. When the squid shows strange odors, mold, or unusual discoloration, it should no longer be consumed.

Hopefully, the above sharing has helped you clearly understand what dried giant squid is, whether it is toxic, how much it costs, and how to choose it to be delicious and safe. If you love the rich flavor of dishes made from dried whole squid, you can explore more dried squid from Ola Squid with a diverse range of products, suitable for grilling, simmering, or preparing into many delicious dishes at home.