Nha Trang's one-sun-dried squid is one of the famous specialties, with a unique ocean flavor that anyone who comes to this land wants to try. With a meticulous processing process, the squid after being caught is dried in the sun for only one day, creating a moderate dryness, preserving its natural sweetness and characteristic toughness. Not only is it an attractive dish in seafood parties, one-sun-dried squid is also a meaningful gift for relatives and friends.
Process of Making One-Sun Dried Squid
Sun-dried squid is made from tube squid or cuttlefish, a type of squid with thick bodies, sweet and crispy meat. The process of making sun-dried squid begins with catching fresh squid from the ocean, then the squid is cleaned and dried in the sun for about a day. Sun-drying helps the squid retain its freshness and natural sweetness, while also making the squid moderately dry, so when processed it will not be tough or dry.
The sun-drying process requires precision in time and temperature. If dried for too long, the squid will lose its sweetness and softness; conversely, if dried for not enough, the squid will be damp and difficult to preserve. Standard sun-dried squid will have a dry surface but still retain its natural moisture inside, and the squid meat will still be soft and chewy when processed.
Unique Flavor Of One-Sun Dried Squid
The special feature of Nha Trang dried squid lies in the natural, sweet flavor of the sea squid. When processed, the squid has a slightly chewy texture, sweet meat and a delicious aroma. Dried squid can be processed into many different delicious dishes such as grilled with salt and chili, fried, stir-fried with garlic, steamed with ginger… Each dish retains the fresh and characteristic flavor of the ocean.
Grilled dried squid on charcoal is the most popular and favorite dish. When grilled, the squid gives off a strong aroma, the outer layer is golden and crispy, the inside is sweet and soft. This dish is often dipped with spicy green chili salt, which enhances the rich flavor and creates an unforgettable culinary experience.
How to Process Dried Squid
Dried squid can be made into many delicious dishes, from simple to complex. Below are a few popular dishes you can make from dried squid.
Materials Needed
- Dried squid: 500g
- Salt, pepper, garlic, chili
- Cooking oil, green onion
- Lemon, green chili (for dipping sauce)
Grilled Squid with Salt and Chili
Step 1: Prepare ink
Wash the dried squid and drain. Marinate the squid with salt, pepper, minced garlic and chili for about 20 minutes to let the spices soak in.
Step 2: Grill the squid
Grill the squid over charcoal or a grill at medium heat. When grilling, remember to turn the sides evenly so that the squid cooks evenly and does not burn. Grilled squid will have a crispy golden outer layer and sweet meat inside.
Step 3: Enjoy
After grilling, cut the squid into bite-sized pieces. Dip with spicy green chili salt to create a delicious, rich flavor.
Stir-fried Dried Squid with Garlic
Step 1: Prepare ink
Wash the dried squid, cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the squid with minced garlic, pepper and a little fish sauce.
Step 2: Stir-fry squid
Fry garlic in oil in a pan, then add squid and stir-fry quickly over high heat to keep the squid crispy. When the squid is cooked, add green onions and stir well then turn off the heat.
Step 3: Enjoy
Stir-fried squid with garlic has a naturally sweet and crispy taste, fragrant with garlic, is an attractive dish, easy to make in family meals.
Nha Trang Dried Squid – A Gift From The Sea
Nha Trang dried squid is not only a delicious dish but also a meaningful gift from the sea, chosen by many people as a gift during holidays and Tet. With meticulous preparation, retaining the natural fresh flavor of squid, this specialty has conquered many diners and become the pride of Nha Trang cuisine.
If you have the opportunity to visit Nha Trang, don't forget to enjoy and buy some dried squid to fully experience the taste of the ocean of this land.
Dried squid
Nha Trang dried squid is a unique specialty with a rich flavor and natural sweetness from the sea. No matter how it is prepared, this dish still retains the appeal and essence of fresh seafood. Try enjoying or preparing dried squid yourself to feel the flavor of the ocean and discover more of the beauty of Nha Trang cuisine.
