Salt and Pepper Squid is a crispy, flavorful dish commonly found at Chinese restaurants. The squid is deep-fried to perfection and then tossed in a mixture of salt, white pepper, scallions, and red chilies. This recipe provides an authentic and easy way to recreate this beloved dish at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 10 oz cleaned squid tubes, cut into rings

• Oil, for deep frying

• 1/2 tablespoon oil, for stir-frying

• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions

• 1 teaspoon chopped red chilies

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Frying Batter:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup corn starch

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 egg white

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 pinch salt

Directions

1. Rinse the squid under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Mix all ingredients for the frying batter until smooth. Coat the squid with the batter and stir to ensure an even coat.

3. Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a wok or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Drop the squid into the oil, immediately loosening them with a spatula to prevent clumping. Deep-fry until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to over-fry.

4. Remove the squid from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil by placing them on a plate lined with paper towels.

5. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the chopped scallions and red chilies, stir-frying quickly.

6. Return the fried squid to the skillet and add salt and white pepper. Stir to combine well, then serve hot.

Nutrients

Per serving:

• Calories: 273 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 39g

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 4g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g

• Trans Fat: 0.01g

• Cholesterol: 220mg

• Sodium: 633mg

• Potassium: 288mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 0.3g

• Vitamin A: 87 IU

• Vitamin C: 8 mg

• Calcium: 40 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

The Perfect Crispy Coating

The key to achieving crispy, golden squid is the batter. A mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, egg white, and water forms a light batter that coats the squid rings evenly, giving them the perfect crunchy texture. The baking soda in the batter helps create a light and airy crunch, while the egg white helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth coat that fries up perfectly.

When frying the squid, the batter creates a crisp exterior while preserving the tender, sweet flavor of the squid inside. This contrast between crispy coating and tender squid is what makes Salt and Pepper Squid so irresistible. It’s important to fry the squid in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which could lead to soggy squid rather than the desired crispy texture.

Frying the Squid to Perfection

Frying squid can be tricky, as it cooks very quickly. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C), which allows the squid to cook fast enough to form a crispy shell without overcooking the delicate meat inside. The squid should only be deep-fried for about 2-3 minutes, just enough for the batter to turn golden brown and crispy. Overcooking the squid can cause it to become rubbery, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on the timing.

Once fried, the squid is drained on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring that it remains crispy and light.

Tossing in Salt, Pepper, and Fresh Ingredients

The flavor of Salt and Pepper Squid comes from the seasoning mix. After frying, the squid is tossed with salt and ground white pepper, which are the stars of the dish. These seasonings create a savory, aromatic coating that enhances the flavor of the squid without overpowering its natural sweetness. The white pepper adds a bit of heat and earthiness, complementing the squid’s delicate taste.

Freshly chopped scallions and red chilies are added for a burst of color and flavor. The scallions bring a mild oniony crunch, while the chilies add a touch of heat, giving the dish a spicy kick. The combination of these fresh ingredients adds depth and complexity to the dish, making each bite more exciting and flavorful.

Serving Salt and Pepper Squid

Salt and Pepper Squid is best served immediately after frying while it’s still hot and crispy. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, which help balance the richness of the fried squid. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce, for added flavor.

To make the dish visually appealing, garnish it with extra chopped scallions and a few red chili slices. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile with additional freshness and heat.

Why Salt and Pepper Squid is So Popular

Salt and Pepper Squid is a beloved dish in many Chinese restaurants, and for good reason. The crispy texture of the fried squid combined with the savory, peppery seasoning and the bright flavors of the scallions and chilies make it an incredibly satisfying dish. The crispy coating and tender squid create a delightful contrast in each bite, while the simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.

This dish is also versatile and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a quick meal or an impressive appetizer at a dinner party. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just looking for a new dish to try, Salt and Pepper Squid is sure to impress.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Salt and Pepper Squid provides approximately 273 calories, with 18 grams of protein, making it a good source of lean protein. The dish contains 39 grams of carbohydrates, most of which come from the batter and the small amount of sugar used in the seasoning. While the dish is fried, it contains a moderate amount of fat, with 4 grams of fat per serving, including 1 gram of saturated fat.

The sodium content is relatively high due to the salt and soy sauce used in the dish, so it’s important to keep this in mind if you’re watching your sodium intake. However, the dish is still rich in potassium and provides a good source of vitamin C from the red chilies and scallions.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Squid is a crispy, flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors. With its golden, crispy coating and tender squid, this dish is a hit at any meal, whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. The easy preparation and minimal ingredients make it an accessible recipe for home cooks, while the bold flavors make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something new or trying to recreate your favorite restaurant dish at home, Salt and Pepper Squid is a delicious and satisfying choice.