Refreshing Squid Cold Salad: A Flavorful and Healthy Well-being Dish
Low-Calorie Cancer Prevention Recipe: A Burst of Freshness with Squid Cold Salad!
In a world increasingly accustomed to salty and spicy flavors, there’s a growing need for well-being dishes that gently cleanse the palate. That’s why I’ve created this cool and refreshing squid cold salad, packed with flavor, nutrition, and health benefits! It’s the perfect way to reignite your appetite, lost to the summer heat, and a delightful seafood dish to beat the sweltering weather. This low-sodium, healthy, and delicious Korean-style salad offers a refreshing, light meal option, ideal for those on a diet or anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle. The mild dressing, combined with chewy squid and crisp vegetables, allows you to savor the natural taste of each ingredient. Experience the delightful textures and wholesome flavors of this vibrant squid dish. Introducing the cold squid salad that tastes even better when chilled!
Main Ingredients- 1 fresh squid
- 1 cucumber
- 1/3 red onion
- Approx. 10 cherry tomatoes
Refreshing Cold Dressing- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp fresh wasabi
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp black sesame seeds
Cucumber Brine- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp fresh wasabi
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp black sesame seeds
Cucumber Brine- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients for a delicious cold squid salad. Using fresh ingredients is key to a fantastic flavor!
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it thinly on a bias, about 0.3cm thick. This slicing method helps the dressing penetrate better, making it more flavorful.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumber with the cucumber brine ingredients (1 Tbsp vinegar, 0.5 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp water). Gently mix and let it brine for about 10 minutes. Then, firmly squeeze out all the excess water. This step ensures the cucumber remains crisp and doesn’t become soggy.
Step 4
Prepare the squid with its skin on. Slice it into rings, about 0.5cm thick. Blanch them in boiling water for just 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough!
Step 5
Immediately remove the blanched squid from the boiling water and place it in a colander to drain completely. Rinsing with cold water after draining can help achieve a firmer, chewier texture. Allow it to cool down fully.
Step 6
Thinly slice the red onion into julienne strips. For a milder flavor, you can soak them in cold water for a few minutes before draining. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
Step 7
In a bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp fresh wasabi, 2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and pungent dressing.
Step 8
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled blanched squid, the squeezed-out cucumber, julienned red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Step 9
Pour the freshly prepared delicious cold dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. Ensure the dressing coats everything evenly.
Step 10
Here’s a crucial tip: For the best flavor and texture, toss the squid cold salad right before serving. This maintains the chewiness of the squid and the crispness of the vegetables. If tossed too early, it can become watery.
Step 11
Gently toss everything together until well combined. Avoid overmixing, which could mash the ingredients. Your vibrant, fresh, and delicious squid cold salad is ready to be enjoyed! Serve chilled for the ultimate refreshing experience.
