The Importance of Marinating the Squid

Marinating the squid is an essential step to ensuring it remains tender and flavorful. The marinade, which includes Shaoxing wine, sea salt, and white pepper, infuses the squid with depth and enhances its natural sweetness. The Shaoxing wine not only adds a subtle richness but also helps to tenderize the squid, giving it a smooth texture. The white pepper and sea salt work together to bring out the natural flavors of the squid without overpowering it, setting the stage for the crispy coating and aromatic toppings.

When you score the squid, making shallow cuts inside the squid tubes, it allows the marinade to penetrate more evenly and helps the squid cook faster, ensuring that it stays tender throughout the frying process. This step is key to creating a deliciously tender and well-seasoned squid that will hold up perfectly when coated and fried.

Creating the Crispy Coating

The crispy coating is what makes Salt and Pepper Squid so irresistible. A mix of flour and cornstarch ensures that the squid turns golden and crunchy when fried. Cornstarch, in particular, adds an extra crispness to the texture, making the squid shell ultra-crunchy. Seasoning the coating with a bit of sea salt and white pepper gives it just the right amount of flavor, complementing the squid and other ingredients without overpowering them.

The coating should be applied evenly to each piece of squid to ensure a consistent crunch throughout. Once the squid is coated, it’s ready to be fried. When frying, it’s essential to make sure the oil is hot enough—about 180°C (350°F)—so that the squid fries quickly, creating a light, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Frying the Squid: The Perfect Crispy Texture

Frying is the key to achieving that signature crispy texture that makes Salt and Pepper Squid so popular. The squid pieces cook quickly—usually around 2 minutes—until they are golden brown and crisp. The addition of garlic, basil, and chili slices to the hot oil during the final minute of frying gives them just enough time to crisp up and infuse the oil with their aromatic flavors. The garlic becomes fragrant and crispy, the basil crisps into delicate, crispy bits, and the chili adds a light heat, balancing the dish with a fresh, spicy kick.

It’s important to monitor the oil temperature to prevent the squid from becoming greasy or overcooked. Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures that each piece is cooked to perfection. The result is crispy, golden squid with a fragrant, flavorful crust and tender, juicy meat inside.

Serving and Dipping Options

Salt and Pepper Squid is best served immediately while it’s still hot and crispy. You can sprinkle extra white pepper on top for a little more spice, or add a squeeze of lime to enhance the dish’s freshness. This dish can be served as an appetizer, or paired with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s also perfect for snacking or as a side dish at a gathering.

To enhance the flavor, consider serving the squid with a dipping sauce such as aioli, sweet chili sauce, or soy sauce with a touch of sesame oil. The creamy richness of aioli or the sweetness of chili sauce complements the crispy squid perfectly, adding even more layers of flavor to the dish.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

Salt and Pepper Squid is a flavorful yet indulgent dish. Each serving, which consists of about 4-5 pieces, provides a good source of protein, offering around 18 grams per serving. It also contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fat, with 12.5 grams of fat per serving, much of it coming from the frying oil. While the dish is relatively high in sodium (317 mg per serving), it’s a great choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful treat in moderation.

Because the squid is fried, it’s best to serve this dish as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday meal. However, if you want to make the dish a little lighter, consider baking the squid instead of deep-frying, or using a healthier oil for frying. The dish still offers a delicious taste of crispy squid, and the use of fresh garlic, basil, and chili adds a healthy punch of flavor.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Squid is a crispy, aromatic, and flavorful dish that combines tender squid with the bold flavors of fried garlic, fresh basil, and chili. The crispy coating, seasoned with white pepper and salt, perfectly complements the squid, making every bite a satisfying crunch. This dish is ideal for any occasion, whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy squid in a dish that’s sure to impress.