Salt and Pepper Squid

Salt and Pepper Squid is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine that has gained global popularity for its perfectly crispy texture and bold, aromatic flavors. This dish is a symphony of contrasts—tender squid pieces coated in a crunchy, golden crust, with a punch of seasoning from coarse salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and subtle hints of garlic and chili. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course alongside steamed rice and vegetables, Salt and Pepper Squid never fails to impress.

The key to this dish lies in its simplicity. It uses minimal ingredients yet delivers a flavor-packed experience. The secret is in the delicate balance of the coating, which keeps the squid tender while providing a crispy exterior, and the seasoning, which gives each bite a satisfying umami punch. Salt and Pepper Squid is quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to master and incredibly rewarding.

Get ready to create a restaurant-quality dish at home that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds). If you’ve been craving the perfect Salt and Pepper Squid, this recipe is all you need!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salt and Pepper Squid is a dish that combines elegance and comfort in every bite. It’s crispy, savory, slightly spicy, and completely addictive. The light coating of cornstarch creates a delicate crust that enhances the squid’s natural flavor without overpowering it. Meanwhile, the seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and optional chili takes the dish to the next level, offering a burst of flavor with each bite.

This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer at a dinner party, as a main course paired with rice or noodles, or even as a snack to enjoy with a glass of cold beer. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to heavy, batter-coated fried foods, thanks to its thin, light crust.

Even if you’re intimidated by cooking squid, this recipe will walk you through every step to ensure perfect results. The squid is cooked quickly, so it remains tender and juicy. Once you try making this at home, you’ll realize how easy it is to recreate a dish that’s often reserved for restaurant menus.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving size: Approximately 1/4 of the squid (with seasoning and garnishes)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g

Ingredients

For the Squid:

• 1 pound (450g) squid tubes and tentacles, cleaned
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 1 cup cornstarch (or potato starch for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)

For the Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional, for a milder kick)
• 1 red chili, finely sliced (optional, for heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, finely chopped

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying; about 2–3 cups, depending on pan size)

Garnish:

• Lemon wedges
• Extra sliced green onions or fresh herbs like cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Squid

1. Clean the Squid: If your squid isn’t pre-cleaned, rinse the tubes and tentacles thoroughly under cold water. Remove any residual cartilage or skin. Slice the tubes into rings about 1/2 inch thick. Keep the tentacles whole if small, or cut larger ones into bite-sized pieces.
2. Tenderize the Squid: Place the squid in a bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes to tenderize, then rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove the baking soda. Pat the squid completely dry with paper towels.
3. Marinate in Buttermilk: Place the cleaned squid in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step helps to tenderize the squid further and ensures the coating adheres well.

Step 2: Make the Coating

1. In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

1. Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or wok to reach about 2–3 inches in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test this by dropping a small piece of the coating mixture into the oil—it should sizzle and float immediately.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Squid

1. Dredge the Squid: Remove the squid from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess coating.
2. Fry the Squid: Working in small batches, carefully drop the coated squid into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the squid less crispy.
3. Drain and Rest: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the squid from the oil. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining squid.

Step 5: Prepare the Seasoning

1. In a clean skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the sea salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

1. Transfer the fried squid to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the garlic-pepper seasoning over the squid and toss to coat evenly. Add the chopped green onions and toss again.
2. Serve the Salt and Pepper Squid immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and extra green onions or herbs.

Ingredient Background

Squid

Squid is a versatile and delicious seafood that’s naturally tender and flavorful when cooked correctly. The key to preparing squid is to either cook it very quickly (as in this recipe) or very slowly—overcooking it results in a rubbery texture. Marinating the squid in buttermilk and using baking soda are simple tricks to ensure the squid stays tender and juicy.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the star ingredient for achieving a light, crispy coating. Its fine texture creates a thin crust that crisps up beautifully when fried, making it ideal for dishes like Salt and Pepper Squid. For an even crunchier texture, you can mix cornstarch with potato starch.

Black Pepper

Freshly ground black pepper is essential for this dish, as it provides a bold, slightly spicy flavor that complements the squid. You can also add white pepper for a more aromatic, earthy note.

Chili

Red chili adds a subtle heat and pop of color to the dish. You can adjust the quantity to your spice preference or omit it altogether for a milder version.

Technique Tips

1. Dry the Squid Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispy squid. Pat the squid completely dry with paper towels before marinating and coating it.
2. Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. If the oil is too cool, the coating will absorb excess oil and become soggy. If it’s too hot, the squid may burn before it cooks through.
3. Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. Fry the squid in small batches for the best results.
4. Season Immediately: Toss the fried squid with the seasoning while it’s still hot to help the flavors adhere.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Over Rice: Serve the Salt and Pepper Squid over steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
• In Tacos: Use the crispy squid as a filling for tacos, along with shredded cabbage, lime crema, and avocado.
• On a Salad: Toss the squid with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
• Party Platter: Arrange the squid on a large platter with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, garlic aioli, or soy-lime sauce.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Squid: Fresh squid has the best flavor and texture, but frozen squid works well too. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid.
• Double the Seasoning: If you love bold flavors, make extra seasoning to sprinkle over the squid before serving.
• Experiment with Peppers: Try adding Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling, numbing sensation that pairs beautifully with the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Salt and Pepper Squid: Add more chili and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Squid: Toss the squid with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or parsley for a fresh flavor boost.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or entirely cornstarch for the coating.
• Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle honey or a sweet chili sauce over the squid for a sweet and spicy variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover squid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: While freshly fried squid is best, you can freeze cooked squid. Flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in an oven or air fryer.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Air-Fried Squid: Instead of deep frying, use an air fryer for a healthier version. Spray the coated squid lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Bake Instead of Frying: Place the coated squid on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until crispy.
• Add More Veggies: Serve the squid with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Dinner Parties: Plate the squid on a large serving platter with lemon wedges and dipping sauces for an elegant appetizer.
• Game Night: Serve Salt and Pepper Squid as a snack alongside beer or cocktails for a fun, shareable treat.
• Family Dinners: Pair the squid with fried rice, noodle stir-fry, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Special Equipment

• Deep Frying Thermometer: Helps monitor the oil temperature for perfect frying.
• Slotted Spoon: Ideal for removing squid from the hot oil without transferring excess grease.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl makes tossing the squid with seasoning easy and mess-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen squid? Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
2. How do I keep the squid tender? Marinating in buttermilk and cooking it quickly at high heat prevents it from becoming rubbery.
3. What oil is best for frying? Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
5. What dipping sauces pair well with this? Sweet chili sauce, soy-lime sauce, or garlic aioli are great options.
6. Can I reheat leftovers? Yes, reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the squid rubbery.
7. What sides go well with Salt and Pepper Squid? Steamed rice, fried rice, or a simple cucumber salad are excellent accompaniments.
8. Can I use other seafood? Absolutely! Shrimp, scallops, or even fish fillets can be prepared the same way.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Squid is a classic dish that delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. It’s crispy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion. With its quick preparation and simple ingredients, this dish proves that you don’t need a complicated recipe to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, Salt and Pepper Squid is sure to impress your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves and get frying—this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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