Irresistibly Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid Recipe

Crispy salt and pepper squid tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible blend of textures and flavors.

Seafood lovers appreciate the delicate balance between crunchy exterior and tender marine protein.

Culinary enthusiasts recognize this dish as a masterpiece of simple yet dynamic seasoning.

Delightful crisp coating reinvents ordinary squid into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Maritime ingredients dance with zesty spices, creating a harmonious flavor profile that captivates diners.

Masterful techniques elevate this classic appetizer from ordinary to extraordinary.

Achieving restaurant-quality results at home requires strategic preparation and precise cooking methods.

Pairing Ideas for Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Complement the crispy, salty squid with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness and enhancing the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Match with Refreshing Beer: Cool down the spicy kick of red chilies by sipping a light lager or wheat beer, which balances the salt and pepper seasoning perfectly.
• Create a Bright Salad Side: Serve alongside a fresh citrus and herb salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the deep-fried squid.
• Dip with Spicy Sauce: Prepare a tangy chili-lime dipping sauce using lime juice, sriracha, and a touch of honey to complement the crispy texture and add an extra layer of zesty flavor.

Easy Variations to This Classic Fried Squid Recipe

• Spicy Asian Fusion: Replace red chilies with sriracha sauce and add a splash of lime juice for a tangy kick. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap out red chilies for fresh chopped parsley and oregano. Serve with a zesty garlic aioli and lemon wedges for a Mediterranean-inspired experience.
• Herb-Infused Version: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like basil and thyme into the batter. Finish with a light drizzle of herb-infused olive oil for an aromatic touch.
• Japanese-Inspired Option: Mix panko breadcrumbs into the batter for extra crispiness. Serve with a side of wasabi mayo and pickled ginger for an authentic Japanese street food feel.

Crisp and Bold: The Appeal of Salt and Pepper Squid

• Achieve Irresistible Crispiness: The deep-frying technique creates an incredibly crunchy exterior that snaps with every bite, making this squid dish a textural delight.
• Burst with Bold Flavor Combinations: The mix of salt, white pepper, scallions, and red chilies delivers a perfect balance of heat, spice, and savory notes that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Quick and Easy Cooking: This recipe requires minimal preparation time and uses simple techniques, making it perfect for home cooks wanting a restaurant-quality dish without complex skills.
• Elevate Seafood Experience: The method transforms humble squid into a gourmet-style appetizer or main course that impresses friends and family with minimal effort.

Everything Required for Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid

Main Ingredients:

• Squid Tubes: Fresh, tender squid with a mild, sweet ocean flavor, best when cleaned and cut into rings for even cooking.

• All-Purpose Flour, Corn Starch: Light, crispy coating that creates a delicate and crunchy exterior for the squid.
• Baking Soda: Helps create a lighter, airier texture in the batter.

• Salt, Ground White Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that enhances the squid's natural flavor with a subtle warmth.
• Scallions, Red Chilies: Fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and zesty, spicy notes to the dish.

• Egg White: Provides structure and helps the batter adhere to the squid.
• Water: Thins the batter to achieve the right consistency for coating.

• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for deep-frying to achieve a crispy, golden texture.

How to Cook Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid at Home

Step 1: Clean and Prepare Squid

Rinse the squid thoroughly under cold water. Pat completely dry using clean paper towels. Slice into bite-sized rings and tentacle sections.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• White pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and lump-free. Fully coat squid pieces in the mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a deep heavy-bottomed pan or wok. Pour vegetable or canola oil until it reaches 3 inches deep. Heat oil to 350°F using a cooking thermometer for precise temperature.

Step 4: Fry Squid to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower battered squid pieces into hot oil. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Cook until pieces turn light golden and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to remove.

Step 5: Drain and Season

Place fried squid on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with additional salt and white pepper while still hot.

Step 6: Quick Aromatic Finish

• Chopped green onions
• Thinly sliced red chili peppers

Toss crispy squid pieces in the aromatic mixture. Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Serving Suggestion: Accompany with lime wedges and sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Tips for That Restaurant-Style Crunch

• Choose Fresh Squid: Select squid with firm, glossy skin and a clean ocean smell to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove all moisture from the squid, which helps create an ultra-crispy coating during frying.
• Maintain Precise Oil Temperature: Keep the oil consistently at 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt squid, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry squid in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent pieces from sticking together.
• Quick Stir-Frying Technique: Toss the fried squid with seasonings rapidly over high heat to lock in crispiness and distribute flavors evenly.

Storing and Reheating Fried Salt and Pepper Squid

• Refrigeration: Store leftover crispy salt and pepper squid in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Oven: Restore crispiness by preheating the oven to 375°F. Spread squid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through, turning once to ensure even heating.
• Microwave Caution: Avoid microwaving, as it will make the squid rubbery and soggy. If you must use a microwave, heat in short 15-second bursts at 50% power, checking texture between intervals to prevent overcooking.

Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Salt and pepper squid offers a delightful journey through crispy, tender seafood with dynamic Asian-inspired flavors. Zesty seasoning and perfect golden-brown coating create an irresistible appetizer that invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 10 ounces (300 grams) cleaned squid tubes, cut into rings

Frying Batter:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup corn starch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg white
• ½ cup water
• 1 pinch salt

Seasonings and Garnish:

• ½ tablespoon oil for stir-frying
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
• 1 teaspoon chopped red chilies
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• Oil for deep frying

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse the squid under cool running water, then thoroughly blot dry using absorbent kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare the delicate batter by whisking together dry and liquid components until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency. Gently submerge the squid pieces, ensuring each is evenly coated with the batter.
3. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed vessel to precisely 350°F, creating a shimmering surface that indicates optimal frying temperature. Carefully lower the battered squid into the hot oil, immediately separating pieces with a wire mesh spider to prevent clustering.
4. Fry the squid until they transform into a golden, crisp exterior, typically requiring 2-3 minutes. Watch vigilantly to avoid overcooking, which can result in rubbery texture. Transfer the beautifully crisped morsels onto a paper towel-lined platter to drain excess oil.
5. In a searing hot skillet, quickly sauté vibrant scallions and fiery red chilies, releasing their aromatic essence. Reintroduce the crispy squid to the skillet, seasoning generously with sea salt and freshly ground white pepper, tossing swiftly to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Plate immediately while piping hot, serving as a tantalizing appetizer or zesty main course that promises a perfect balance of crunch and delicate seafood flavor.

Notes

• Maintaining high oil temperature prevents soggy squid and ensures a crispy golden exterior.
• Patting squid completely dry before battering helps create an extra crunchy coating that locks in moisture.
• Avoiding overcrowding the frying pan allows each piece to cook evenly and develop a perfect crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg