Tiếng Việt
ไทยWhat exactly is line-caught dried squid, and why does it always cost noticeably more than regular dried squid? Many people hear this name but cannot really tell it apart, so they easily end up buying goods labeled “line-caught squid” whose quality does not match the price paid. The article below helps you clearly understand what line-caught dried squid is, how to recognize it through its shape and smell, along with experience for choosing genuine goods from Ola Squid. It also compares it directly with trawl-caught dried squid to help you avoid confusion when shopping.
What is line-caught dried squid? Identifying features
The name “line-caught squid” comes directly from the fishing method used by coastal fishermen. Instead of using mass trawl nets, they usually catch squid one by one with a hand line or a fishing reel, mainly at night when squid rise to the water surface following the light. This individual catching method keeps the squid from getting scratched, preserving its shape and freshness at their best before it is brought up for drying.
After being caught, the squid is usually cleaned and dried right away under natural sunlight on the boat, with minimal use of industrial dryers.
As a result, line-caught dried squid keeps the original flavor of sea squid, which is also why this product line is sought after by many discerning eaters even though it is usually priced a bit higher than trawl-caught squid.
In terms of appearance, line-caught dried squid has a few fairly clear identifying features you can observe with the naked eye:
- The tentacles are straight and stay firmly attached to the head, not loose or scattered.
- The body is thick and elongated, a natural light pink color rather than pale white.
- No white powdery coating has appeared yet, and the body still feels slightly soft to the touch.
- It has the distinctive aroma of sea squid even before grilling.
You can rely on these features to tell good-quality line-caught dried squid apart from dried squid caught using other methods.
Telling line-caught dried squid and trawl-caught dried squid apart
In today’s market, trawl-caught dried squid accounts for a large share thanks to its cheap price, while line-caught dried squid belongs to a more premium segment. Many buyers still confuse the two types because their outward appearance is fairly similar.
The difference between the two lies in the fishing method, the processing method, and the quality of the final product. You can refer to a few criteria below to tell line-caught and trawl-caught squid apart:
| Criteria | Line-caught dried squid | Trawl-caught dried squid |
| Fishing method | Hand-lined or reel-caught one by one, low volume | Caught in bulk with nets, mixed with other seafood |
| Body surface | Few scratches, thick body | Easily scratched, thinner body |
| Processing method | Split right on the boat, rinsed with seawater | Split in bulk on shore, dried in large batches |
| Drying method | Dried on racks, squid keeps a straight shape | Dried on mats, shape tends to curl |
| Finished quality | Chewy and sweet when grilled, tender flesh | Slightly tougher, sweetness varies by piece |
Overall, line-caught dried squid is rated higher for its natural chewy sweetness, making it a good fit for anyone who wants to fully enjoy the original flavor of sea squid.
How much does line-caught dried squid cost? Why is it pricier than trawl-caught squid?
Dried squid is usually classified by the number of pieces per kilogram: the smaller the size (the higher the pieces/kg count), the more accessible the price tends to be, while the larger size (fewer pieces/kg, thicker body) tends to cost more since it uses more raw material and takes more effort to dry.
Line-caught dried squid price by size
| Line-caught dried squid size | Pieces/kg | Reference price |
| Large size | 7 – 10 pieces/kg | 1.400.000 – 2.200.000 VND/kg |
| Medium size | 12 – 20 pieces/kg | 1.200.000 – 1.500.000 VND/kg |
| Small size | 50 – 70 pieces/kg | 600.000 – 910.000 VND/kg |
Since prices fluctuate over time, we recommend checking the price list updated directly on each product page instead of relying on one fixed figure. You can also read more in the article grade 1 dried squid price for an overview of the current price range.
Reasons line-caught dried squid costs more than trawl-caught dried squid
Compared with trawl-caught dried squid, line-caught dried squid is usually priced higher for a few reasons:
- The catch volume of line-caught squid is much lower since each squid must be caught individually, so it cannot be harvested in bulk the way net fishing does
- The processing is entirely manual, taking a lot of effort from splitting the squid to drying the squid, and each step takes more time
- The flesh quality is superior, naturally chewy and sweet, which also gives it higher commercial value.
This is also why many types of dried squid on the market are sold at prices far too cheap compared with the general level, so you should be cautious, as the product may well have been mixed with other types or mislabeled.
Tips for choosing authentic, good-quality line-caught dried squid
Just because a product is labeled “line-caught squid” does not guarantee it is delicious, as quality also depends heavily on the seller’s processing skill and storage method. To choose good line-caught dried squid, besides knowing the identifying features above, you should spend a few minutes carefully examining the product to avoid mistakenly buying poor-quality goods.
A few tips for choosing good line-caught dried squid you can apply:
- Check the color and thickness of the body, favoring squid with a natural light pink color and an evenly thick body.
- Smell the squid, and avoid buying it if there is a foul, musty, or otherwise unusual odor.
- Check the chewiness and moisture level by gently pressing the body. The surface of dried squid should be dry.
- Favor sellers who openly disclose the origin, production process, and storage method.
If you are looking for a place to buy dried squid that meets all the criteria above, you can check out the whole dried squid line at Ola Squid, which is clearly classified by size and comes with transparent origin information for each batch.
How to store line-caught dried squid so it lasts long without going moldy
In Vietnam’s hot and humid climate, line-caught dried squid, although already sun-dried, can still turn moldy or lose its aroma if stored the wrong way. Depending on how long you plan to keep it, you can choose one of the three storage methods below, and you can read more details in the article how to store dried squid.
Storing in the freezer compartment
Before placing it in the freezer, wrap the squid tightly in a zip bag or vacuum-seal it to keep air from getting in, which would make the squid dry out and harden or pick up the fridge smell. This method keeps line-caught dried squid fresh for about 6 months, which is quite suitable if you buy a large quantity to use gradually.
That said, the squid tastes best when used within the first 4 weeks of storage, as the flavor gradually fades the longer it is kept, even if the squid has not fully spoiled.
Storing in the fridge’s chiller compartment
Storing squid in the chiller compartment is only suitable when you plan to use it all up within a short time and do not need to keep it as long as in the freezer. Line-caught dried squid stored in the chiller keeps for about 2 months.
You should wrap an extra layer of newspaper around the outside of the zip bag before placing it in the chiller, as this layer helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the squid from softening or developing an odd smell while stored.
Storing in a dry place without a refrigerator
This method should only be used when you plan to use up the squid within a few days rather than storing it long term. You should hang the squid in a well-ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight, since high outdoor temperatures can quickly dry the squid out further and strip away its quality.
Also, do not keep the squid near damp areas or the stove, since the steam and high heat in these spots can easily cause the squid to spoil quickly, and it may even turn moldy after just a few days.
4 delicious dishes made from line-caught dried squid
Line-caught dried squid has thick, naturally sweet flesh, so it can be turned into many different dishes. You can check out 4 of the most popular dishes made from line-caught dried squid that many families choose, listed below:
Grilled line-caught dried squid
Ingredients: 2 pieces of line-caught dried squid (~200g), 10g unsalted butter, chili sauce or green chili salt for dipping.
How to make it:
- Briefly dip the dried squid in water to soften it.
- Spread a thin layer of unsalted butter on both sides of the squid.
- Grill it over charcoal or in an oven at medium heat until the squid turns golden and gives off a fragrant aroma.
- Tear the grilled squid into bite-sized strips and dip it in chili sauce or green chili salt.
Line-caught dried squid braised with tamarind
Ingredients: 200g line-caught dried squid, 30g sour tamarind, 20g sugar, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, minced garlic and chili to taste.
How to make it:
- Lightly grill the squid, then tear it into bite-sized strips.
- Mash the tamarind with warm water and strain out the pulp for its liquid.
- Sauté the garlic, then add the tamarind liquid, sugar, and fish sauce, and simmer until it thickens.
- Add the squid and stir over low heat until it soaks up the sauce, adjust the seasoning, then turn off the heat.
Line-caught dried squid mango salad
Ingredients: 150g shredded line-caught dried squid, 1 green mango shredded into strips, Vietnamese coriander and fried shallots to taste, 2 tablespoons sweet and sour fish sauce.
How to make it:
- Grill the squid until fragrant and cooked, then tear it into thin strips.
- Shred the green mango into strips and drain off excess water.
- Mix a balanced sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Toss the mango, squid, and coriander together with the sweet and sour fish sauce, sprinkle fried shallots on top, and the line-caught dried squid mango salad is ready to enjoy.
Line-caught dried squid braised with fish sauce, garlic, and chili
Ingredients: 200g line-caught dried squid, 2 tablespoons good-quality fish sauce, 15g sugar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic and chili.
How to make it:
- Lightly grill the squid until fragrant, then tear it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the fish sauce with sugar in a well-balanced ratio and stir until dissolved.
- Sauté the minced garlic and chili until fragrant, then pour in the fish sauce and sugar mixture and simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Add the squid and braise over low heat until evenly coated, giving it a glossy, appealing sauce finish.
You can find the detailed recipe for this dish in the article dried squid fried with fish sauce for a few extra tips on seasoning it just right.
Check out a few more detailed dishes made from line-caught dried squid:
- How to make dried squid fried with fish sauce and onion
- How to make dried squid soaked in lye water
- How to make dried squid and toad fruit salad
- How to make pepper-charred dried squid
- How to make spicy dried squid
Line-caught dried squid is a type of dried squid caught by hand line or fishing reel one squid at a time, then naturally sun-dried to preserve the full chewy sweetness characteristic of sea squid, clearly different from trawl-caught squid in both fishing method and finished quality. Knowing the identifying features, how to choose it, and how to store it correctly will help you avoid mistakenly buying poor-quality goods even though you are paying a considerable price.
If you are looking for authentic line-caught dried squid with a clear origin to use at home or give as a gift, Ola Squid is always ready to accompany you from choosing the product to advising on the right way to prepare and store it. Visit the Ola Squid store to see more of the dried squid lines currently available.
