How to Make Delicious Dried Lye-Soaked Squid

Dried squid steeped in lye water is a familiar ingredient in Chinese broths such as wonton soup, noodle soup, etc. Squid steeped in lye water not only retains the natural rich sweetness of dried squid but also has a moderately soft and chewy texture after soaking, making it easy to eat. If you want to make dried squid steeped in lye water at home, follow this article for detailed instructions from ingredients to preparation!

1. Ingredients for Dried Squid Steeped in Lye Water

To make a standard steeped squid dish, you need to prepare the following ingredients:

• 2 dried squids: It is best to choose high-quality dried squid, large enough to be as big as or bigger than your hand. Good squid will have a thin layer of white powder, a natural light pink color, and a gentle sea aroma.

• 150ml lye water (alkaline water): This is an alkaline solution filtered from the ash of plants (usually straw ash or wood ash). You can buy it at stores selling baking ingredients or dried goods.
• Clean water
• Soaking tools such as bowls, basins, or airtight containers.

2. Steps to Prepare Dried Squid Steeped in Lye Water

To create a standard steeped dried squid dish, you need to follow a multi-step soaking process that helps the squid become soft, chewy, and retain its characteristic freshness. Here are detailed instructions you can refer to:

• Step 1 – First Soak: Wash the dried squid with water to remove any dirt on the outside. Then, soak the squid in a basin of clean water for 8 to 10 hours, ensuring the squid is completely submerged. This step helps the squid start to soften, making it easier to handle in the next step.
• Step 2 – Second Soak: After the first soak, remove the squid and discard the ink sac inside. Rinse the squid again under running water to clean it thoroughly, then continue to soak it in fresh clean water for another 8-10 hours.
• Step 3 – Soak in Lye Water: Continue to remove the squid after the second soak and rinse it clean. Mix 150ml of lye water with 3 liters of water, stir well. Place the pre-processed squid in the lye water basin, ensuring the squid is fully submerged; you can use a heavy object to weigh it down. Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator, soak for about 12-16 hours until the squid reaches the desired softness, plumpness, and color.

• Step 4 – Rinse Squid After Soaking: After soaking in lye water, the squid will have a characteristic reddish-brown color and the body will be plump. Remove the squid, discard the soaking water, and rinse the squid briefly. Then, place the squid in a basin and let it rinse under a gentle stream of running water for 1 hour. It is ready when the squid no longer feels slimy to the touch.
• Step 5 – Finished Product and Storage: The finished steeped squid will be 4-5 times its original size, with an attractive color and a slightly chewy texture. This squid is very suitable for dishes like mixed noodle soup, dumplings, dim sum, or stir-fried mixed vegetables. You can store the squid in the refrigerator or freezer. When thawed, it will retain its chewy texture and color as if freshly steeped, making it very convenient for later preparation.

See more:

• How to soak dried squid to make it tender and remove fishy smell
• How to make tender and delicious grilled dried squid soaked in beer

3. Where to Buy Delicious Dried Squid at a Good Price

For the steeped squid in lye water to achieve the standard flavor, choosing the right quality dried squid is crucial. If you are wondering where to buy it reliably, Ola Squid is a trustworthy address that you should not miss.

With meticulously selected ingredients from famous seas like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, etc., Ola Squid is committed to providing delicious dried squid products that retain their natural sweetness and meet export standards. The products not only meet food safety and hygiene standards but also have competitive prices and attractive promotions for both retail customers and wholesale agents.

In addition, Ola Squid offers dedicated service and nationwide delivery, with quick ordering. Whether you need to buy dried squid as a gift, for family use, or for business, Ola Squid is always ready to accompany you with the commitment “Real Quality – Real Value”.

Here are the detailed instructions for making dried squid steeped in lye water, which we hope will be helpful to you. If you are looking to buy delicious, high-quality, and food-safe dried squid, don’t hesitate to contact Ola Squid immediately for consultation, answers to your questions, and a detailed price quote for the quantity you wish to purchase.