Garlic Pepper Squid
This unique dish uses fish sauce – an ancient and nutritious flavoring made from salted and fermented fish, which is pressed to release a brown liquid. When used as a seasoning, this liquid offers nutrients, supports gut health, and adds depth of flavor to foods.
Makes
Serving size
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh squid, cleaned
1½ tablespoons fish sauce
1 cup sunflower oil or other vegetable oil
1 – 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, coarsely grounded
10 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tapioca or corn starch
2 tablespoons unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
Instructions
- Cut each squid body tube into 3 or 4, 1-inch wide segments. Leave tentacles whole.
- Rinse and drain squid well. Squeeze excess moisture from the drained squid.
- Place the squid in a bowl and drizzle with fish sauce. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
- Heat the oil in a wok.
- Drain the squid of any excess fish sauce.
- Mix, using your hand, pepper, garlic, tapioca/corn starch and flour in a shallow bowl. Toss the squid in the dry mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- Test the oil to be sure it’s hot, but not so hot that the squid will burn, around 375°F.
- Fry half of the squid pieces at a time, for 30 – 60 seconds. Don’t overcrowd the skillet so they can crisp slightly.
- When crisp, allow the fried squid to air drain on a wire basket or colander over a bowl or sink. Remove loose garlic pieces from the oil.
- Reheat the oil to 375°F before frying the next batch.
- Cool the fried squid for 1 – 2 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lime and enjoy.
Cooking Tip
If you are preparing this for only a few people, you can store this dish in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready, reheat the fried squid leftovers in the oven for 3 – 4 minutes at 350°F, where it will crisp up nicely again.
Fish sauce has high sodium content, be sure to follow the measurement used in this recipe and drain off the excess before you cook the squid.
Recipe contributed by FamilyCook Productions
Your support goes further with AKF
Your donation allows AKF to support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease – from prevention through transplant. For more than 50 years, we have fought on all fronts for millions of people impacted by kidney disease.
Donate today to support our work
