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–+ servings

Salt & Pepper Squid

5 from 1 vote
Crispy squid tossed in spices - super flavourful and easy to make. Cooked just like the ones they serve in Cantonese restaurants.
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Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Cantonese
Servings: 4 people
Author: Dearnomdiary

Ingredients

Squid

  • 400 g fresh squid
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Neutral oil (for frying)

Flour Mixture

  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Salt & Pepper Seasoning Mix

  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • ¼ tsp Chinese five spice powder

Stir Fry

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 1 small Thai red chilli (sliced thinly)
  • Light splash of Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tbsp green onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tbsp cilantro (finely chopped)

Instructions

  • Start by preparing the squid. Wash the squid thoroughly in cold water and remove the tentacles by pulling them away from the body. Remove and discard the beak, clear quill, and guts. Cut off the tentacles part and set aside. Slice open the squid tube and then slice in half. Make scores on the inside of the squid to give it a nice curl when frying. Slice in triangles, and place the triangles and tentacles on some dry paper towels. Place another piece of paper towel on top and and pat dry. Roll up the paper towel to let the squid dry.
  • Place the squid in a bowl and marinate with white pepper, cornstarch and the egg yolk. 
  • In a large pot/wok, add in the oil. Heat it up until it reaches a temperature of 350°F/180°C.
  • Meanwhile, mix the dry mixes.
    Flour Mixture: combine the ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.
    Salt & Pepper Seasoning Mix: combine the ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Add the flour mixture to the squid and toss gently.
  • Fry the squid in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain and set aside.
  • Stir Fry:
    In a clean wok over medium-high heat, add in 1 tbsp of oil until heated. Add in the garlic and cook until lightly golden. Then, add in the shallot and red chili and cook until fragrant. Mix in the fried squid and add a light splash of Shaoxing wine. Stir fry quickly for about a minute. Sprinkle on the salt & pepper seasoning mix little by little (taste as you go - you may not need the whole thing). Add in the green onion and cilantro and mix everything to combine. Enjoy!