Tiếng Việt
ไทยSparkling squid is a seafood specialty highly favored by discerning diners. Not only attractive for its freshness and sweet, crisp flesh, sparkling squid also makes an impression with its characteristic shimmering body right after being caught. If you are curious about this type of squid, let Ola Squid explore the details through the article below!
1. What is sparkling squid?
Sparkling squid, also known as nhay squid, is a special name for squid that have just been caught from the water, are still alive, fresh, and shimmering. This name comes from the interesting biological characteristic that the squid’s skin is transparent and continuously changes color, appearing to glow and shimmer. The squid’s eyes are still clear, and its tentacles cling tightly when touched.
This type of squid is often caught in the early morning, near the shore by small boats or baskets, and is abundant in the central coastal areas such as Nghe An (Cua Lo), Ha Tinh (Vung Ang), Quy Nhon, or Nha Trang. Thanks to its rare freshness, sparkling squid is usually processed and enjoyed immediately on the spot in various unique ways, depending on the locality. The squid meat is crisp, delicately sweet, and not fishy, so it is often eaten raw, steamed, or grilled right after being caught.
2. Nutritional value of sparkling squid
Sparkling squid is not only outstanding for its freshness but also a nutritious food source. 100g of fresh squid contains:
- About 16-18g of protein, which helps build and repair cells, and maintain strong muscles.
- Unsaturated fats and omega-3, beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Contains minerals such as phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, and selenium, which support metabolic functions, the immune system, and the nervous system.
- Rich in vitamins B12, E, and A, which help improve memory, protect eye health, promote blood circulation, and slow down the aging process.
Because it is caught and processed almost immediately after leaving the sea, sparkling squid retains most of its inherent nutritional value without losses like frozen squid.
3. Benefits of eating sparkling squid
Incorporating sparkling squid into your diet offers many practical health benefits:
- Boosts the immune system: Sparkling squid is high in protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, strengthening the immune system, fighting harmful free radicals, and supporting enzyme activity in the body.
- Good for heart health: Although it contains cholesterol, sparkling squid is rich in omega-3 and low in saturated fat. Omega-3 helps reduce triglycerides, prevent blood clots, stabilize heart rhythm, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Supports brain and vision: The high content of vitamin B12 and omega-3 in sparkling squid supports nerve cell development, improves memory, and protects eye health.
- Beautifies skin, anti-aging: Vitamin E and antioxidants help prevent aging, supporting firm and healthy skin.
- Supplements essential minerals: Sparkling squid contains important minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium, contributing to maintaining bone and joint health, regulating blood pressure, and supporting red blood cell production (according to the National Library of Medicine).
- Enhances male vitality: Sparkling squid has long been considered a food that enhances male vitality due to its high zinc and protein content, supporting natural stamina enhancement.
- Suitable for diet: With low calories and high protein content, sparkling squid is an ideal dish for those who want to control their weight.
4. How to prepare sparkling squid
Because sparkling squid is very fresh, the preparation process needs to be gentle and correct to preserve its natural flavor. Here are the basic steps for preparing sparkling squid:
- Step 1 – Cleaning the squid: Rinse the squid quickly under cold running water to remove sand and dirt. Gently separate the head from the body with your hands, being careful to keep the ink sac intact if you want to maintain the natural color of the dish or remove it if not needed.
- Step 2 – Removing internal organs: Gently pull out the insides, discard the ink sac, beak, and eyes. For small squid like sparkling squid, you may not need to peel the skin, as the skin is thin and sweet and edible, unless the recipe requires it.
- Step 3: Rinse again with diluted salt water or water with a few slices of ginger to naturally remove any fishy odor.
- Step 4: Drain and cut into rings, pieces, or leave whole depending on the dish.
Note: Due to its high freshness, do not soak the squid for too long or over-process it to avoid losing its natural sweetness and crispness.
5. How to choose fresh sparkling squid
To choose fresh and delicious sparkling squid, you should prioritize those with a clear white skin, a slight purple hue, or shimmering reflective lines, clear signs of freshly caught squid. Avoid squid that are milky white or dull, as these have been stored for a long time or have lost their freshness.
When gently pressing the squid with your hand, fresh squid will be firm and elastic, with firm flesh that doesn’t feel mushy or leave an indentation after you remove your hand. Clear, non-bulging eyes with no cloudiness are also important characteristics to note.
A sign of fresh, quality sparkling squid is that its tentacles will cling tightly to the body, and the suckers will be firm, not detached or mushy. Careful observation and tactile checks will help you easily select fresh and delicious sparkling squid, ensuring flavor and nutrition when cooked.
6. Delicious dishes from sparkling squid
With its natural sweetness, firm and crisp flesh, and peak freshness, sparkling squid is an ideal ingredient for many appealing dishes. Here are some suggestions for preparing sparkling squid dishes that you shouldn’t miss:
Steamed sparkling squid
Steamed sparkling squid is the simplest yet most refined way to preserve the freshness and natural sweetness of the squid. When cooked just right, the squid is lightly crisp, with white-pink flesh, a delicate aroma, and no fishiness.
Basic ingredients:
- Fresh sparkling squid (medium or small size)
- Fresh ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves (optional)
- Good fish sauce, lime, chili for dipping sauce
Brief cooking instructions:
- Wash the squid clean, leave whole or cut in half as desired. Place the squid on a steamer, add a few slices of ginger, lemongrass, and a few kaffir lime leaves to remove any fishy smell and add aroma.
- Steam the squid for about 5-7 minutes until just cooked (avoid over-steaming, which will make the squid tough). Then, serve on a plate and dip with a spicy ginger fish sauce. This dish is ideal for light parties or as an appetizer for family meals.
Sweet and sour stir-fried sparkling squid
Sweet and sour stir-fried sparkling squid is a harmonious combination of the squid’s natural sweetness and the mild sour and spicy sauce. The dish is not only visually appealing but also stimulates the appetite and is a great accompaniment to rice.
Ingredients:
- Fresh sparkling squid
- Tomatoes, pineapple, onions, bell peppers, cucumbers
- Celery, green onions, cilantro, chili peppers
- Garlic, chili, seasonings (fish sauce, seasoning powder, MSG, cooking oil)
Detailed cooking instructions:
- Wash the squid, make light scores on the body about 0.5cm apart, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Clean the vegetables and cut them into thin slices or small cubes as desired. Cut celery, green onions, and cilantro into segments; mince garlic and chili.
- Marinate the squid with fish sauce, seasoning powder, and MSG for about 25-30 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Heat the pan, sauté minced garlic and shallots until fragrant, then add the squid and stir-fry quickly over high heat until the squid is firm. Transfer to a separate plate.
- Continue to stir-fry the mixture of tomatoes, pineapple, bell peppers, and cucumbers until slightly tender. Add the stir-fried squid and mix well, adjust seasoning to taste, then stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Before turning off the heat, add celery, green onions, cilantro, and chili peppers and stir-fry quickly. Arrange the squid on a plate and serve hot.
Sparkling squid salad
Sparkling squid salad is an ideal dish to cool down on hot days. The natural sweetness of fresh squid combined with a sweet, sour, spicy, and savory dressing, plus the crispness of vegetables and the richness of roasted peanuts, creates a flavor profile that is both rich and light.
Ingredients:
- Fresh sparkling squid
- Cucumber (or green mango), cherry tomatoes, herbs (like Vietnamese mint, basil…)
- Garlic, chili, fresh lime, roasted peanuts
- Seasonings: good fish sauce, seasoning powder, sugar, MSG
Preparation steps:
- Rinse the sparkling squid with clean water to maintain its crispness; do not soak for too long. Wash vegetables and herbs, drain, then soak in ice water to increase crispness.
- Next, julienne the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the Vietnamese mint. Crush the roasted peanuts coarsely.
- Then, pound the garlic and chili with a little sugar, MSG, and seasoning powder. Add fish sauce and lime juice, stir well to create a balanced sweet and sour dressing.
- Next, mix the squid with vegetables and the prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing them. Finally, sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts and herbs to finish.
Sparkling squid is not only a delicious and prominent specialty of the sea but also a nutritious food source that can be easily prepared into many appealing dishes. We hope this article has helped you better understand this type of squid, as well as how to prepare and choose fresh squid. To learn more interesting information, delicious preparation tips, and explore quality dried squid products, don’t forget to visit olasquid.com right away!
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