Salted dried squid is a specialty deeply imbued with the flavors of the Central coast, cherished by many for its sweet meat and distinctive aroma when grilled. So, what exactly is salted dried squid, how many types are there, how should one purchase and store it, and what are some delicious dishes that can be made with it? To answer these questions, let’s follow this article from Ola Squid right away!

Summary of content

1. What is salted dried squid?

Salted dried squid is a type of squid processed from freshly caught squid, cleaned, marinated with natural sea salt, and then sun-dried or heat-dried. This method helps preserve the squid for a long time while retaining its natural sweetness, a harmonious mild saltiness, and the characteristic aroma of the sea.

Thanks to being dried under the sea sun and natural winds, salted dried squid features a beautiful reddish-pink color, with firm, chewy, and fragrant flesh. After drying, the squid is cold-stored to maintain its quality before being distributed to agencies and seafood markets nationwide. Salted dried squid is a familiar specialty of Central coastal regions such as Binh Dinh, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, etc.

2. Popular types of salted dried squid today

Currently, salted dried squid is categorized into several types depending on the saltiness and processing method. Below are the three most common types:

Light-salted sun-dried squid

Light-salted sun-dried squid is the most popular type today thanks to its moderate saltiness and soft, chewy texture, distinct from traditional heavily salted varieties. Before cooking, the squid should be soaked in water for 2-3 hours to reduce the saltiness, making the dish more palatable. To maintain quality, it should be kept in cold storage; it should only be left at room temperature for a maximum of 1 week to preserve its fresh reddish-pink color.

Traditional heavily salted squid

Heavily salted squid is the original version of this product, featuring a high amount of salt on the body, heavily marinated, and then dried. This type can be stored for a long time at room temperature without risk of spoilage. The body is often covered with a thick layer of white salt, which is clearly visible when handled. This type retains the classic flavor of traditional salted squid, and its price does not fluctuate much compared to light-salted varieties, making it easy to store long-term.

Salted egg squid

Steamed salted egg squid is a visually appealing type of salted squid with a bulging belly and golden eggs inside. However, the body is often quite salty, so it needs to be soaked carefully before processing to reduce the salt content. You should also adjust seasonings appropriately to suit your family’s taste, balancing the natural delicious flavor while avoiding excessive saltiness.

3. How to choose delicious and high-quality salted dried squid

To choose high-quality salted squid, prioritize pieces that are sufficiently dry, not damp, and have been stored in a freezer or vacuum-sealed to prevent spoilage during transport. Among them, light-salted sun-dried squid is currently the most popular and preferred choice due to its moderate saltiness, which fits modern palates. For steamed salted egg squid, check that the squid has a healthy pinkish tone, no skin abrasions, and an intact ink sac; avoid squid that appears black or damaged inside.

Market price of salted dried squid

The price of salted dried squid currently fluctuates depending on the season, the type of squid, and the size. The three popular types of salted squid do not differ significantly in price; the differences are mainly based on size and seasonal catch yields.

Small size is priced from 220,000 – 270,000 VND/kg
Medium size salted dried squid is priced from 250,000 – 320,000 VND/kg
Large size salted dried squid is priced around 290,000 – 350,000 VND/kg

Where to buy reputable, high-quality salted dried squid?

To purchase delicious, clean, and safe salted dried squid, the most important thing is to choose reputable seafood vendors. Prioritize long-standing dry seafood specialty shops that provide clear commitments regarding the origin of the squid, ensuring it is caught in clean waters and processed under hygienic conditions.

When choosing, also pay attention to information on the packaging such as labels, production date, expiration date, and storage conditions to avoid purchasing low-quality products. Beyond large seafood markets and local specialty stores, if you are far away, you can choose to buy from trusted seafood businesses or e-commerce websites.

4. Instructions for proper storage of salted dried squid

Salted dried squid is a delicious and nutritious food, but if stored improperly, it can easily lose its flavor and quality. Below are the steps to keep your squid fresh and usable for a long time:

You can use vacuum bags or airtight containers for storage, which limits exposure to air and prevents mold. Avoid placing the squid in direct sunlight or areas with high humidity.
Traditional heavily salted squid can be kept at room temperature for short periods while maintaining its quality.

Light-salted sun-dried squid and steamed salted egg squid should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration or loss of aroma.
The refrigerator fridge or freezer helps extend the shelf life. Light-salted sun-dried squid lasts about 2-3 weeks in the freezer. Steamed salted egg squid lasts about 1-2 weeks in the freezer. Ensure the squid is tightly packed when kept in the fridge to avoid odors and maintain its chewy texture.
Soak light-salted squid for about 2-3 hours and rinse before processing to reduce saltiness. For salted egg squid, you should soak it thoroughly to reduce the salt inside the belly, helping to balance the dish’s flavor.

5. Compilation of delicious salted dried squid dishes easy to make at home

Salted dried squid is a familiar ingredient used to create many attractive dishes. With just a few simple steps, you can create fragrant stir-fried, grilled, or fried dishes for the whole family.

Salted squid simmered in fish sauce

Salted squid simmered in fish sauce is both rich and irresistibly fragrant. After rinsing away excess salt, the squid is lightly fried until firm, then tossed into a pan with fish sauce, a little sugar, and minced garlic and chili. When the sauce thickens and coats the squid, the aroma combined with the characteristic salty taste makes the dish incredibly appetizing with rice.

Salted dried squid simmered with pork belly

The combination of the rich flavor of pork belly and the sweet-salty harmony of salted dried squid creates a hearty dish. The meat is stir-fried until it releases a light golden fat, then the squid is added, followed by fish sauce, pepper, and chili. When simmered until the spices are absorbed, the meat becomes tender and the squid firms up, giving you a savory, enticing meal for the family table.

Salted dried squid simmered in sweet and salty sauce

If you enjoy a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy, salted dried squid simmered in sweet and salty sauce is the ideal choice. Simply mix fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce, and minced garlic, then simmer with the squid on low heat until it achieves a golden color. This dish is perfect with white rice or enjoyed with beer.

Salted dried squid simmered with tamarind

The slight tang of tamarind makes salted dried squid simmered with tamarind a unique treat that stimulates the taste buds. The tamarind sauce is seasoned with sugar and a bit of chili, then simmered with the squid until thickened. Each piece is tangy, sweet, spicy, and subtly salty, making it a great snack or accompaniment for drinks.

Rich tamarind-simmered salted dried squid, very appetizing with rice

Grilled/Fried salted dried squid

Grilled or fried salted dried squid is always a quick way to prepare it while retaining the original flavor. The squid is grilled over charcoal or an electric stove until fragrant, with slightly charred edges and naturally sweet, chewy meat. Alternatively, you can deep-fry it until golden and crispy, then sprinkle with chili powder or serve with chili sauce for extra appeal.

Other suggestions for salted dried squid

Beyond the popular dishes above, salted dried squid can also be prepared in many creative ways such as:

Salted squid stir-fried with spicy satay
Salted squid fried with garlic butter
Salted squid stir-fried with vegetables for a light meal
Salted squid tossed with salt and chili
Salted dried squid mixed into spicy and sour mango salad

See more:

Each dish brings its own unique flavor, from bold to light, helping you diversify your daily meals with just simple ingredients.

The above is detailed information on what salted dried squid is, its classification, how to choose, store, and prepare dishes from this type of squid. We hope this helps you, and to discover more high-quality dried squid products from Ola Squid processed according to safety standards, do not forget to visit our store at olasquid.com/en/shop/!

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1. What is salted dried squid?