What is Dried Baby Squid? How to Prepare and Preserve It Properly

Dried baby squid is one of the most popular types of squid loved by many for its naturally chewy and sweet taste, ocean aroma, and ease of preparation. From dried baby squid, you can create many delicious dishes such as grilled, simmered, stir-fried, or salad, suitable for both family meals and drinking parties. This article by Ola Squid will help you understand the origin, nutritional value, how to choose, prepare, and preserve dried baby squid, while suggesting attractive dishes from this specialty.

1. What is dried baby squid?

1.1. Origin and fishing areas of dried baby squid

Dried baby squid is processed from fresh baby squid newly caught from nearshore waters such as Quang Ninh, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Binh Thuan, etc. Fishermen often process them on the same day to ensure freshness and preserve the full natural sweetness of the squid meat. For large baby squid, the cleaning steps take longer, while small squid usually only need to be washed several times with water. After being seasoned to taste, the squid is dried under the sun until just dry enough, retaining its natural fragrance and characteristic soft-chewy texture.

Dried baby squid is both a familiar dish in the meals of Central Vietnamese people and an important food reserve during the stormy season when fishermen cannot go out to sea and fresh seafood sources become scarce. Thanks to this, dried baby squid is both convenient and preserves traditional flavors.

1.2. Traditional processing of dried baby squid

To create delicious dried baby squid with sweet meat and rich ocean flavor, coastal residents still maintain traditional manual processing methods through many generations. Here is the processing procedure:

• Preprocessing: With large-sized baby squid, the processor skillfully removes the internal organs and ink sac to avoid bitterness, while small squid are left whole to preserve the full natural flavor. All are washed several times with seawater or clean water to remove sand, salt, and impurities.
• Seasoning: After cleaning, the squid is drained and lightly seasoned with a bit of salt, sugar, or natural spices according to the specific secrets of each region.
• Drying: The squid is spread evenly on bamboo drying racks or nets under strong sunlight and gentle sea breezes. The squid is naturally sun-dried for 1-2 days or lightly dehydrated until the squid body firms up and dries evenly but still retains flexibility and does not become brittle.
• Packaging: After reaching the desired dryness, the squid is vacuum-sealed or placed in clean packaging and stored in a dry place. Some modern facilities also use vacuum sealing or freezing to preserve the full flavor and extend the usage time without using preservatives.

2. Nutritional value and health benefits of dried baby squid

Not only attractive for its rich flavor and natural chewy sweetness, dried baby squid is also a source of food rich in nutrients, bringing many practical benefits to health.

• In 85g of baby squid, the nutritional content is very impressive with about 30% protein, 90% copper, 63% selenium along with many other essential vitamins and minerals.
• The high protein content in squid helps strengthen muscle power, support cell regeneration, and improve resistance.
• In addition, minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and copper play an important role in red blood cell formation, improving blood circulation and maintaining strong joints.
• Dried baby squid also contains B-group vitamins (B2, B3, B12) which help support nervous activity, efficient energy metabolism, and improve concentration.
• Not only nutritious, dried baby squid also helps stimulate digestion, improve taste buds, and replenish energy for the body after stressful working hours.

3. Guide on how to choose and store dried baby squid

3.1. Secrets to choosing delicious and safe dried baby squid

To choose quality dried baby squid, you should carefully observe the color and shape of the squid.

• Good dried baby squid has a natural pinkish-white color, the body is evenly dry, not turning yellow or dark black. When held, the squid body is dry, not sticky, and radiates a light seafood aroma, not pungent or smelling of chemicals.
• Standard squid usually has a uniform size, thick body, firm meat, and when grilled, it radiates a characteristic aroma and a pure sweet taste rather than being overly salty.
• In addition, you should choose to buy from reputable establishments with clear origins, especially squid processed manually in famous sea areas like Con Dao, Phu Quoc, or Binh Thuan to ensure flavor and food safety.

3.2. Distinguishing dried baby squid from other types of dried squid on the market

On the market today, there are many different types of dried squid such as dried loligo squid, dried bigfin reef squid, dried sim squid, etc. Each type has its own shape, flavor, and preparation method.

Dried baby squid has a small, short, and round body, with a size only about the thumb; the head and body are attached, and the eyes are clear black and not separated. When dried, the squid body still maintains its fullness and does not become flattened. Meanwhile, dried loligo squid usually has a long, slender, and flat body; while dried bigfin reef squid is large and thin with clearly visible skin patterns.

The prominent difference is the natural sweetness and moderate soft-chewy texture of dried baby squid, different from dried loligo squid which is often tough and saltier. Thanks to this characteristic, dried baby squid is often preferred for grilling, frying, or making salad because it is easy to eat and suitable for both adults and children.

See more: What is dried bèo squid? How much is the price of dried bèo squid per kg?

3.3. How to store dried baby squid properly

To keep dried baby squid always delicious and avoid mold, you should:

• Store in the refrigerator: Dried baby squid should be wrapped tightly in plastic bags or vacuum bags, then kept at a temperature below -18°C in the freezer compartment. This method helps preserve sweetness, natural aroma, and effectively avoids mold.
• Store at normal conditions: If you don’t have a refrigerator, you should place the squid in a dry, cool place, avoiding direct sunlight. Besides, every 3-4 weeks, you should sun-dry it again for 15-20 minutes so that the squid remains dry and not damp.

• Do not store with fresh food: Dried squid easily absorbs moisture and odors from other foods, so you should not store it together with fish meat or fresh items to avoid the squid becoming moldy or changing flavor.
• Usage time: To ensure the best quality and flavor, it is recommended to use dried baby squid within 4 months from the date of purchase.

3.4. Handling hardened or slightly moldy dried baby squid

If dried baby squid becomes hard due to long storage, you can soften dried squid by lightly grilling it over hot coals or in an oven at a low temperature, then wrapping it in a damp cloth for a few minutes. This method helps the squid become softer while still maintaining its natural sweetness.

In case squid has signs of mild mold, you need to wipe off the moldy part with a damp cloth and then sun-dry it for a few hours or lightly grill it, but this only applies when the mold appears minimally and the squid has no strange smell. If you see the squid is heavily moldy, wet, or has a foul smell, you should discard it to ensure health safety.

4. What is the price of 1kg of dried baby squid?

The price of dried baby squid is usually much higher than fresh squid because making 1kg of dried baby squid requires from 4-4.5kg of fresh baby squid, along with manual processing and sun-drying steps that take a lot of time. Currently, the price of dried baby squid ranges from 150,000 – 300,000 VND/kg, depending on the season, fishing area, and drying method.

See more:

• Update the dried squid price list on the market today
• Where to buy delicious and quality dried squid for Tet as a gift?

5. Delicious dishes from attractive dried baby squid

Dried baby squid is an ingredient that can be used to process many attractive dishes. Here are suggestions for delicious dishes you can easily make at home:

5.1. Fragrant grilled dried baby squid

Grilled dried baby squid is a simple dish that many people love and praise. Dried baby squid is grilled over a small flickering fire, turned evenly by hand to ripen golden on both sides, radiating the characteristic fragrant aroma of the sea. When the outer layer turns golden and gives off a light scent, the squid is cooked.

5.2. Rich dried baby squid simmered in tamarind/fish sauce

Simmering is a processing method that helps the squid absorb spices evenly and brings a harmonious salty-sweet taste. You just need to mix a mixture of tamarind juice, sugar, garlic, chili (or fish sauce instead of tamarind depending on taste) then add the squid and simmer over low heat until it thickens and absorbs an even amber color. The finished product has a blended sour, spicy, salty, and sweet taste, suitable for eating with white rice or as a snack with friends.

5.3. Fried dried baby squid

For this dish, you put a little cooking oil in a pan, heat over low fire, then add the squid and fry until golden on both sides. Do not fry over high heat to avoid burning or hardening the squid. When the squid is golden brown and gives off a gentle fragrance, take it out to drain the oil and enjoy it immediately with hot rice. The squid is lightly crispy on the outside, sweet and soft on the inside, definitely making it hard to stop eating.

5.4. Sweet and sour dried baby squid salad

If you want to change the flavor for a family meal, you can make a dried baby squid salad with green mango, carrots, Vietnamese coriander, and horn chili. The squid, after being lightly grilled, is shredded and mixed with sweet and sour fish sauce and various vegetables. The salad is fragrant with grilled squid, and has a harmonious sour, spicy, salty, and sweet taste, which is very stimulating to the taste buds, suitable as an appetizer in family parties.

5.5. Other creative dishes from dried baby squid

Not stopping at familiar grilled or fried dishes, dried baby squid can also be transformed into many creative dishes such as:

• Dried baby squid braised with pork belly perfectly combines the fatty taste of the meat and the chewy sweetness of the squid. The pork belly is stir-fried with onions and garlic, then the dried squid is added to toss together, seasoned with a bit of sugar, fish sauce, and ground pepper to create a rich, attractive aromatic dish that goes very well with rice in family meals.

• Additionally, you can try dried baby squid stir-fried with garlic and chili, simple yet delicious, suitable for light drinking sessions or cozy dinners. The scent of golden fried garlic blends with the mild spiciness of the chili and the sweetness of the squid, stimulating the taste buds.
• If you have tried all the above dishes, you can refer to stir-fried noodles with dried baby squid. The squid is lightly grilled for aroma, shredded, then added to a pot of white porridge or a plate of stir-fried noodles, helping the dish become fragrant and more flavorful.

See more: What delicious dishes can be made from dried squid tentacles? Suggestion of 6 attractive dishes

6. Frequently Asked Questions about dried baby squid (FAQ)

6.1. Does dried baby squid need to be soaked before processing?

Normally, dried baby squid does not need to be soaked in water before processing, because it has been dried just right so the meat is still soft and easy to cook. However, if the squid is hard from long storage, you can soak it quickly in warm water for 5-10 minutes or rinse it with clean water to soften it and remove salt dust before cooking.

6.2. Does dried baby squid cause allergies?

Dried baby squid is a natural food, rich in protein and minerals; however, some people with sensitive constitutions to seafood may experience mild reactions such as itching or rashes. For safety, you should try a small amount first or consult a doctor if you have a history of allergies to squid, shrimp, or sea crabs.

6.3. Can postpartum women eat dried baby squid?

Postpartum women can absolutely eat dried baby squid if it is thoroughly cooked and eaten in moderation. Squid provides plenty of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, helping to recover health and boost energy. However, you should avoid eating it too often or if you are breastfeeding and notice the baby has signs of a seafood allergy.

Above are the detailed information about the origin, nutritional value, how to choose as well as how to store and prepare delicious dried baby squid. We hope this article has helped you understand more about this type of squid, and if you want to explore more high-quality dried squid that ensures freshness and food safety, don’t forget to visit olasquid.com/en/shop/ right now!

Ola Squid introduces a range of high-quality whole dried squid, properly sun-dried and safely preserved for every delicious meal.