Get ready for an explosion of flavor with Chinese Salt and Pepper Squid! This dish is a crispy, zesty masterpiece. Tender squid pieces are lightly battered, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed with a tantalizing mix of salt, pepper, and aromatic spices. With each bite, you experience the perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a taste sensation that’s sure to leave you craving more!

Salt and Pepper Squid is a popular Chinese dish that involves battering and deep-frying squid, then seasoning it with a mixture of salt, pepper, and sometimes additional spices. The dish is often garnished with sliced green onions and chili peppers.

Preparation and Ingredients

For the Squid

• 1 pound (450g) fresh squid, cleaned and scored
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying
• Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Salt and Pepper Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to spice preference)
• 2-3 sprigs fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)

Cookware

Chinese Salt and Pepper Squid is typically prepared using a few essential pieces of cookware:

• Wok A wok is the primary cookware for this dish. It’s a versatile and essential tool in Chinese cuisine. The high, sloping sides of the wok are perfect for deep-frying the squid pieces. The wok’s shape allows for even heating, and its wide surface area makes it easy to toss the squid as it cooks.

• Deep-Fryer or Deep Pan If you don’t have a wok, a deep-fryer or a deep pan can also be used to fry the squid. These options provide ample space for the squid to cook in hot oil. Make sure the pan has enough depth to prevent oil splatters and to ensure the squid cooks evenly.

• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer You’ll need a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the fried squid from the hot oil. This utensil allows excess oil to drain back into the wok or pan, ensuring the squid remains crispy.

• Paper Towels Place a layer of paper towels on a plate or tray to absorb any excess oil when you transfer the fried squid onto it. This helps keep the dish crispy and removes any residual oil.

• Plate or Serving Dish Once your Salt and Pepper Squid is cooked and seasoned to perfection, transfer it to a plate or serving dish to present it beautifully and serve it to your delighted guests.
• Large mixing bowl  For coating the squid with cornstarch and seasoning.

Recipe Instructions

1. Preparing the Squid

• Ensure the squid is cleaned, with the head and tentacles separated from the body. Score the squid body in a crisscross pattern without cutting through.

2. Coating the Squid

• In a large mixing bowl, coat the squid with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is lightly dusted. Shake off excess cornstarch.

3. Deep-Frying the Squid

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed wok to 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully add the coated squid to the hot oil in batches, ensuring they don’t stick together. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Remove the fried squid with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batches.

4. Preparing the Seasoning

• In a separate bowl, combine salt, white pepper, five-spice powder (if using), minced garlic, and sliced chili peppers. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste preference.

5. Seasoning and Serving

• While the squid is still hot and crispy, toss it in the seasoning mixture to coat evenly.
• Transfer the salt and pepper squid to a serving plate, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.

Variations

• Salt and Pepper Shrimp  Substitute shrimp for squid to create a similar dish with a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian Version  Use tofu or mushroom slices instead of squid for a vegetarian or vegan variation.
• Spicy Version  Increase the amount of chili peppers or add chili flakes for a spicier kick.
• Lemon Zest  Add grated lemon zest for a citrusy twist to the seasoning.
• Sesame Seeds  Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional value

The nutritional content can vary depending on the specific recipe, ingredients used, portion size, and preparation method. Here’s a general breakdown for a typical serving size (around 150 grams or about a cup)

Nutritional Value of Salt and Pepper Squid (for a 150g serving)

1. Calories – 250-350 kcal
2. Protein – 15-20g
3. Total Fat – 10-20g
   • Saturated Fat – 2-5g
   • Monounsaturated Fat – 5-10g
   • Polyunsaturated Fat – 2-4g
4. Carbohydrates – 10-20g
   • Sugars – 0-2g
   • Dietary Fiber – 0-2g
5. Cholesterol – 150-300mg (squid is naturally high in cholesterol)
6. Sodium – 300-700mg (depending on the amount of salt added and any sauces provided)
7. Potassium – 200-350mg
8. Calcium – 20-50mg
9. Iron – 0.5-1.5mg

Notes on the nutritional profile of Salt and Pepper Squid

• The calorie content primarily comes from the frying process, which can increase the fat content.
• Squid is a good source of protein.
• Sodium levels can be relatively high, depending on the seasoning used.
• Squid is naturally high in cholesterol, so those monitoring their cholesterol intake should be mindful of portion sizes.

This overview provides a general estimate, and the actual nutritional values can differ based on the specific recipe and preparation method. As always, if health concerns arise or if one is on a specific diet, consider portion sizes and frequency of consumption. If ordering from a restaurant, nutritional content might vary, and checking with the establishment might provide more accurate details.

Conclusion

Salt and Pepper Squid is a delicious and addictive appetizer known for its crunchy exterior and tender interior. The combination of salt, pepper, and spices adds depth and complexity to this classic Chinese dish. Enjoy it as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.

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