Tiếng Việt
ไทยDried squid is a delicious specialty favored by many for its characteristic chewy and sweet flavor. However, to prepare tender and soft dried squid without any unpleasant fishy odor, you need to know how to soak it properly. In the following article, Ola Squid will guide you in detail through ways to soak dried squid to make it soft quickly and cleanly, making your dish even more appealing.
Top 9 most popular ways to soak dried squid to make it soft
Depending on the thickness of the squid, you can choose one of the 9 soaking methods below to achieve the right level of softness while retaining its chewy and delicious texture.
Soaking dried squid in warm water
Soaking dried squid in warm water is a simple and fast method to soften the squid before cooking. You just need to soak the squid in warm water at about 40-50°C for 15-20 minutes, depending on its thickness. Afterward, rinse it with clean water, let it drain, and proceed to cook your favorite dishes.
Soaking dried squid in cold water
Soaking dried squid in cold water is an easy softening method that allows the squid to absorb water gradually while maintaining its natural chewiness and sweetness. Simply place the squid in a clean bowl or jar, pour cold water to completely submerge it, and soak for about 1-2 hours, depending on the thickness. Once softened, rinse with clean water, drain, and use it for grilling, frying, simmering, or shredding for salads.
Soaking dried squid in diluted saltwater
The method of soaking dried squid in saltwater helps the squid absorb water and soften while adding a mild savory flavor before cooking. Just mix 1-2 tablespoons of salt with 1 liter of warm water, submerge the squid completely in the solution, and soak for about 1-2 hours (depending on the thickness). After soaking, rinse the squid thoroughly with clean water, squeeze gently to remove excess salt, then drain and cook.
Soaking dried squid in fresh milk
Soaking dried squid in milk is a great way to make it softer while imparting a mild creamy flavor and distinct aroma. Simply put the squid in a clean bowl or container, pour unsweetened fresh milk to cover it, cover tightly, and place it in the refrigerator compartment for about 6-8 hours, preferably overnight. After soaking, rinse the squid with clean water, drain, and cook into your favorite dish.
Soaking dried squid in white wine
Soaking dried squid in white wine is also trusted by many to soften the squid while bringing a unique flavor to the dish. You simply need to choose white wine, rice wine, or ginger wine, submerge the squid in the wine, and soak for about 5-10 minutes. Afterward, rinse the squid with clean water to remove any residual alcohol scent, let it drain, and proceed with cooking.
Soaking dried squid in beer
Soaking dried squid in beer is a quick and convenient method, ideal when you want tender, aromatic squid for grilling or snacking. Just place the squid in a deep bowl or plate, pour beer to cover it, and soak for 10-15 minutes so the squid absorbs it evenly. Afterward, take the squid out, let it drain, and it is ready for grilling.
Soaking dried squid in lye water (nước tro tàu)
Soaking dried squid in lye water is a traditional method that helps the squid expand evenly, become tender yet chewy, and gain a characteristic crispness – perfect for dishes like hu tieu, dim sum, or stir-fries. The process is also very simple: soak the squid in clean water twice, 8-10 hours each time, then continue soaking it in lye water for about 12-16 hours in the refrigerator compartment. Finally, rinse the squid with clean water for about 1 hour until the sliminess is gone, then drain before cooking.
Soaking dried squid in coconut water
Soaking dried squid in coconut water is a simple way to make the squid softer with an added natural mild sweetness. Just put the squid in a bowl, pour fresh coconut water to submerge the squid, and soak for about 15–20 minutes. Afterward, take the squid out, drain, and cook immediately, avoiding soaking too long to prevent the squid from becoming mushy.
Choosing the dried squid soaking method based on cooking purposes
Depending on the dish, you can choose the appropriate soaking method so that the squid reaches the right level of softness, is easy to cook, and still retains its natural sweet and chewy taste:
- Grilled squid, drinking snacks: Soak in beer or white wine to make the squid soften quickly, smell better, and reduce the fishy odor.
- Stir-fried, fried squid: Soak in cold water or diluted saltwater to help the squid become moderately soft without getting mushy when exposed to heat.
- Simmered, sauced squid: Soak in unsweetened fresh milk to make the squid meat softer, easily absorbing spices and sauce.
- Quick softening needed: Soak in warm water at 40–50°C for about 15–20 minutes to shorten preparation time.
Important notes when soaking dried squid
To ensure the soaked squid achieves the right softness while keeping its chewy and sweet flavor, you should keep the following in mind:
- Check the softness: Gently squeeze the squid body; if it is soft, elastic, and not mushy, it is ready.
- Do not soak for too long: Exceeding the necessary soaking time can make the squid mushy, reduce its chewiness, and cause it to lose its natural sweetness.
- Adjust according to thickness: Thicker squid requires more time to soften evenly; thinner squid absorbs water much faster.
- Do not combine multiple soaking methods: You should choose one suitable soaking liquid instead of combining several methods at the same time.
- Handling over-soaked squid: If the squid has been soaked past the required time, you should cook it immediately over high heat to limit further softening.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about soaking squid
Why is the squid still hard after soaking?
The squid remains hard usually due to insufficient soaking time or using regular cold water for extremely thick and dry squid. Additionally, poor-quality or long-stored squid is harder to soften. To fix this, you can increase the soaking time or switch to soaking with beer, or lightly steam it then plunge it into ice water for quick softening.
Can refrigerated dried squid that has turned hard be re-soaked?
It is normal for refrigerated dried squid to harden, and it can definitely be re-soaked. You just need to defrost it naturally and then apply methods using water, beer, or steaming followed by an ice bath. However, you should not soak and re-soak it multiple times as it will diminish the sweetness and quality of the squid.
Which soaking method helps eliminate the fishy odor best?
Methods such as soaking with beer, diluted wine, or combining with ginger all help eliminate fishy odors effectively. Alternatively, briefly steaming it and then soaking it in ice water also helps the squid smell good and retain its natural flavor. Most importantly, choose quality squid and wash it thoroughly before soaking to minimize the fishy smell from the start.
Above are simple ways to soak dried squid to make it soft and clean of fishy odors at home. If you need to buy delicious dried squid, reputable, high-quality, and want detailed consultation, do not hesitate to contact Ola Squid. We specialize in providing fresh, clean, high-quality dried squid products, carefully selected and safely packaged. Contact Ola Squid today to order dried squid and receive a detailed promotional quote.
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