Tender and Chewy! Homemade Boiled Squid with Refreshing Dipping Sauce
Easy Squid Preparation, Perfect Boiled Squid Technique, and the Ultimate Dipping Sauce Recipe
My mother called while I was at the market. “Son~ I’m at the market, is there anything you need?” I hadn’t thought about what to cook yet, so nothing specific came to mind. Then, suddenly, boiled squid popped into my head. “How about two squids?” she asked. I’m not sure why boiled squid came to mind, but my mother bought them for me, and now we’re going to make boiled squid! It’s a dish that’s easy to make if you know how to prepare and boil the squid properly. I’ll guide you through making it simple. Let’s get started with making delicious boiled squid right away!
Main Ingredients- 2 fresh squids
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for cleaning squid)
For Boiling the Squid- Plenty of water
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp mirin (cooking rice wine)
- Plenty of water
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp mirin (cooking rice wine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
A clean start is key to delicious boiled squid! First, carefully separate the squid’s body from its tentacles. Remove the internal organs and the transparent quill from the body. Then, detach the eyes and beak from the tentacles. Next, use 1 tablespoon of coarse salt to vigorously scrub both the inside and outside of the squid’s body and tentacles. Scrubbing with salt not only removes impurities but also helps achieve a tender, chewy texture.
Step 2
Now, let’s boil the squid to the perfect tender-chewy consistency. Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of mirin. Vinegar helps to remove any fishy odor, and mirin adds a subtle savory flavor. When the water returns to a boil, carefully add the 2 prepared squids whole and boil for approximately 30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the squid tough!
Step 3
Immediately remove the boiled squid from the hot water and rinse it quickly under cold running water. This stops the cooking process, ensuring the squid remains wonderfully firm and chewy. After rinsing, pat the squid thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drying the squid well prevents excess water from releasing when it’s sliced, ensuring a cleaner presentation.
Step 4
It’s time to enjoy your delicious boiled squid! Slice the prepared squid into bite-sized pieces. You can slice the body into rings and the tentacles lengthwise. Serve this beautifully arranged boiled squid with the homemade sweet and tangy dipping sauce for a delightful meal. For an enhanced experience, consider serving it with fresh lettuce wraps, garlic, and chili peppers.