Making Moist Semi-Dried Squid
The Super Simple Way to Turn Tough Dried Squid into Tender Semi-Dried Squid!
Tired of dried squid that’s too tough to chew? Now, you don’t have to be! With a secret weapon – sugar water – you can easily make moist and chewy semi-dried squid right at home. Enjoy the best flavor with a simple process.
Main Ingredients- 1 dried squid
- 2 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Dried squid has a wonderful umami flavor, but many people find its tough texture difficult to chew. But don’t worry! With just ‘this one thing’ you likely have in your kitchen, you can transform hard dried squid into soft, semi-dried squid.
Step 2
And that magical ingredient is ‘sugar’! It’s incredibly simple: just dissolve sugar in water, boil the dried squid in it, and voilà – tough squid becomes tender, semi-dried squid. It might be hard to believe, but let me explain the method in detail.
Step 3
First, prepare a pot with enough water to fully submerge the squid. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir until completely dissolved to make sugar water. Now, place the whole dried squid into this sugar water and simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. The exact time might vary slightly depending on your heat.
Step 4
The science behind this method is that sugar helps to slow down protein coagulation and tenderize the squid’s tissues. Similar to how you tenderize meat, this process makes the hard squid absorb moisture and become soft, like semi-dried squid. Isn’t it fun to make delicious food using scientific principles?
Step 5
Once you remove the squid from the boiling water, it’s time to enhance the wonderful texture of your new semi-dried squid. Lightly drain the squid and then place it directly over an open flame. Grill it lightly, flipping it occasionally, until the surface is slightly browned. Grilling it over direct flame will significantly boost its flavor.
Step 6
This perfectly moist and chewy semi-dried squid pairs wonderfully with creamy mayonnaise, which complements its savory flavor. For an extra kick, you can mix in some chopped chili peppers or soy sauce. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy!
Step 7
Take a bite, and you’ll be amazed by its moistness and chewiness. I was a bit concerned about sweetness since it’s boiled in sugar water, but it wasn’t sweet at all. In fact, boiling it in water seemed to enhance the squid’s natural, savory flavor! If you dislike the tough texture of dried squid, definitely try this super simple method to make delicious semi-dried squid!
