Tiếng Việt
ไทยAmidst the countless culinary treasures from the ocean, dried squid (mực một nắng) always holds a special place – not only for its sweet, delicate flavor and alluring chewy texture, but also for the abundant nutritional value hidden within its flesh. This gift from the sea has long been a favorite choice for family meals, banquets, and Tet holidays. What is the current price of dried squid, and where can you buy it reliably? Ola Squid has compiled all the details in the article below. Read on to become a savvy consumer!
Overview of Dried Squid
To assess the quality and value of the product, let’s first understand what dried squid is and why it is so beloved by consumers.
What is Dried Squid?
Dried squid is fresh squid caught on the same day, cleaned, and then sun-dried once under strong sunlight or lightly dried for a standard period. This product is not fully dried squid, nor is it entirely fresh squid, but a perfect combination of just the right dryness and a uniquely sweet and tender taste.
The outer layer of the squid is lightly dried, while the inside retains moisture, preserving its natural deliciousness. Thanks to this process, dried squid can be stored better than fresh squid while retaining its precious nutrients.
Nutritional Content
Not just a favorite dish, dried squid is also considered a “treasure from the ocean” due to the abundant nutritional value it provides. The precious nutrients in each piece of flesh not only help the body stay healthy but also play an important role in overall development:
- Calcium: an essential component for strong bones and teeth, especially important for growing children and the elderly needing to prevent osteoporosis.
- Omega-3: a “golden” fatty acid for the brain, vision, and nervous system, helping to enhance thinking and memory skills; very beneficial for children and pregnant women.
- Copper, Iron: two important trace elements that help enrich blood, boost immunity, and improve circulation, bringing a feeling of health and alertness every day.
- Selenium: a powerful antioxidant, helping to slow down cellular aging and reduce inflammatory responses in the body, especially arthritis.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that dried squid always holds a deserving place in the menus of modern families, even when the price of dried squid is sometimes higher than that of ordinary squid. This is because it is not just a delicious dish, but also a gift of health from the sea.
Dried Squid Price List by Type
Are you wondering how much dried squid costs per kilogram? Here is a reference price list compiled from reputable sources, categorized by squid type and region. While not absolutely precise, you can use it as a guide for easier selection:
| Squid Type | Price in Ho Chi Minh City (VND/kg) | Price in Hanoi (VND/kg) | Price in Da Nang (VND/kg) |
| Dried squid 2 pcs/kg | 650,000 | 630,000 | 640,000 |
| Dried squid size 3 pcs/kg | 700,000 | 680,000 | 690,000 |
| Dried squid size 4 pcs/kg | 750,000 | 730,000 | 740,000 |
| Special grade dried squid (large size, extra thick) | 850,000 – 900,000 | 830,000 – 880,000 | 840,000 – 890,000 |
Note: Prices may vary depending on the fishing season, supply, and product quality. It is advisable to prioritize purchasing from places with clear packaging, meticulous sealing, and the ability to inspect the goods before receiving them.
See more: Quang Binh Dried Squid Price and Tips for Choosing the Right Type
Tips for Choosing Delicious Dried Squid
Not everyone knows how to choose good quality dried squid. Here are two criteria you shouldn’t overlook when buying dried squid, especially if you are prepared to pay the current price for dried squid.
Based on the Squid’s Characteristics
- Good squid has a naturally pinkish-white body, free from mold or unusual discoloration.
- The body should be thick and firm, not mushy or emitting a strange odor.
- The eyes should be clear and shiny – a sign of freshness before drying.
Based on the Membrane on the Skin
The membrane is the silvery layer covering the squid’s skin. Good squid will retain this layer clearly, without peeling or cloudiness. This is an indication that the squid has been dried correctly, without preservatives or repeated drying.
See more: Everything About Roe Squid Price and Tips for Buying
Standard Dried Squid Production Process
Understanding how dried squid is made not only helps you appreciate each sweet and fragrant piece of squid but also explains why the price of dried squid is always higher than other types of squid. This is because each squid undergoes a meticulous and strict selection and processing process to retain its quintessential flavor from the sea.
Step 1 – Material Selection
Only squids that have just been caught, are still very fresh, have firm flesh, and clear eyes are selected for making dried squid. These are typically tube squid or flat squid, types that yield thick, sweet, and naturally fragrant meat. The squid must be at least 90% fresh to maintain its nutritional value and perfect texture after drying.
Step 2 – Material Preparation
After selection, the squid is thoroughly cleaned: the internal organs and ink sac are removed, and it is washed multiple times with clean water or seawater to remove any fishy smell and impurities. This process not only ensures food safety but also determines the final taste. The squid is then naturally drained, without using bleaching agents or preservatives.
Step 3 – Sun-drying or Dehydrating
This is the most crucial step – the “soul” of dried squid. The squid is sun-dried under strong sun for about 4-6 hours, or dehydrated using low-temperature technology below 60°C. Only one drying session, no more, no less, to ensure the outer flesh is dry while the inside retains its natural softness, sweetness, and chewiness.
Thanks to this rigorous process, the standard dried squid product will have a moderately dry surface, not too crispy, with no remaining moisture, yet fully preserving the flavor of the sea. It is precisely because of this painstaking effort that the price of dried squid is never “cheap,” as it reflects the value of quality, freshness, and a dedicated, heartfelt process.
Delicious Dishes from Dried Squid
Once you have chosen the right quality dried squid, preparing it correctly will make the dish more appealing, flavorful, and retain its naturally sweet sea flavor. Here are some suggestions for delicious and easy-to-make dishes with dried squid:
Spicy Satay Grilled Dried Squid in an Air Fryer
Simply marinate the dried squid with spicy satay sauce, aromatic oyster sauce, and a touch of sweet honey, then air fry until golden brown and fragrant. This dish not only preserves the natural sweetness of the squid but is also suitable for those who enjoy rich, slightly spicy flavors – a perfect appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients: Dried squid, satay sauce, oyster sauce, honey.
Instructions:
- Marinate the squid with satay sauce, oyster sauce, and honey for about 15-20 minutes.
- Place the squid in the air fryer and cook at 180°C for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove and enjoy while hot.
Dried Squid Fried with Fish Sauce
This is a familiar dish that always goes well with rice and is easy to make. The squid is fried to a light golden crisp, coated in a savory fish sauce mixture with garlic and chili. It has a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors, while retaining the chewy texture of the squid meat, making everyone exclaim with delight.
Ingredients: Dried squid, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic and chili, cooking oil.
Instructions:
- Fry the squid until evenly golden in hot oil, then drain.
- Mix fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili to create a sauce.
- Pour the sauce into a pan, bring to a boil, then add the squid and stir well to coat with the sauce.
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Sweet and Sour Stir-fried Dried Squid
The harmonious combination of the slight sourness from pineapple and tomatoes with the spiciness of fresh chili will highlight the natural sweetness of the squid. This sweet and sour stir-fry dish not only stimulates the appetite but is also great with rice, suitable as a main dish for family meals or small parties.
Ingredients: Dried squid, pineapple, tomatoes, fresh chili, garlic, seasonings.
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, stir-fry squid over high heat.
- Add pineapple, tomatoes, chili, and stir well.
- Season with fish sauce, sugar, and salt to taste, stir-fry quickly.
- Turn off the heat, sprinkle with scallions, and serve hot.
Crispy Fried Dried Squid
If you want a dish that is both crispy and delicious, coat the squid in crispy flour and deep-fry until golden brown. This dish is especially loved by children and adults for the wonderful combination of the crispy coating and the sweet, chewy texture of the dried squid meat inside.
Ingredients: Dried squid, crispy frying flour, cooking oil.
Instructions:
- Coat the squid evenly with crispy frying flour.
- Deep-fry until golden and crispy.
- Remove and place on absorbent paper to drain excess oil, serve with chili sauce.
In addition to dried squid, **Ola Squid** offers many convenient dried squid products, ready to enjoy anytime, such as:
- Shredded Squid with Seasoning: Chewy and sweet, with a rich flavor, suitable as a snack with beer or as a side dish.
- Whole Dried Squid with Seasoning: Preserves the ocean’s flavor, with a distinct deliciousness.
- Crispy Dried Rolled Squid with Seasoning: Crispy, slightly spicy, addictive.
How to Store Dried Squid
To avoid wasting your investment in dried squid – a precious and delicious seafood – proper storage is crucial. Each correct storage step will help preserve its natural sweetness and nutrients, while extending its shelf life without compromising quality.
Store Squid in the Freezer
If you do not plan to use it immediately, store dried squid in the freezer at a temperature of around -18°C. Under these conditions, the squid can maintain its freshness, rich flavor, and chewy texture for 1 to 2 months without spoiling or losing nutrients.
Only Refrigerate if Using Within the Day
Once thawed, dried squid should be cooked within 24 hours. Refrigeration is only suitable if you plan to use the squid on the same day, helping to maintain its freshest flavor and ensure food safety.
Vacuum Sealing for Better Preservation
A modern and highly effective storage method is vacuum sealing. Vacuum-sealed dried squid reduces fishy odors, inhibits bacterial growth, and helps maintain its characteristic chewy texture for longer. Many dried squid suppliers now offer pre-vacuum-sealed packaging, which is very convenient for you.
Top 4 Places to Buy Delicious, High-Quality Dried Squid in Ho Chi Minh City
When looking to buy dried squid, especially given its not-so-low price, choosing a reputable and quality supplier is extremely important. Here are some places highly rated by consumers in Ho Chi Minh City for their fresh, delicious products, reasonable prices, and professional packaging and delivery services, ensuring proper refrigeration for your peace of mind.
Khonia
Khonia is renowned for its premium dried seafood, including carefully selected dried squid, with modern cold storage systems. This establishment offers various sizes such as 2 pcs/kg dried squid or size 3-4 pcs/kg, catering to the needs of many customers. Fast delivery and good preservation are always major advantages here.
Duong Dong Food
As a long-standing reputable brand, Duong Dong Food specializes in high-quality dried squid, with raw materials caught from Phu Quoc – a place famous for its fresh seafood. Notably, Duong Dong Food guarantees standard quality and supports nationwide delivery, convenient for customers in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces.
KHOBENTRE.COM
This is a website specializing in supplying specialties from the Mekong Delta and coastal regions. The special grade dried squid at KHOBENTRE.COM is meticulously vacuum-sealed, preserving its full flavor and freshness. If you want to enjoy authentic Mekong Delta-style dried squid, this is an unmissable choice.
E-commerce Platforms
Shopee, Lazada, and Tiki are also convenient places where you can order dried squid. However, to ensure you buy quality products at a reasonable price for dried squid, you should choose stores with high ratings, many positive reviews, genuine product images, and clear return policies. Additionally, prioritize stores that allow inspection of goods before receipt to avoid purchasing substandard products.
With these suggestions, you can be confident in choosing a place to buy delicious, high-quality dried squid that ensures nutritional value, is budget-friendly, and suitable for family meals or as a meaningful gift. We wish you a satisfying shopping experience and a delicious meal.
With the perfect combination of natural flavor and nutritional value, dried squid is increasingly asserting its position in the kitchens of modern families. We hope the above article from Ola Squid has helped you understand more about the price of dried squid, how to choose delicious squid, and reputable places to invest without fear of overpaying!
