Brilio.net - Who can resist the deliciousness of fried squid? Its chewy texture with a distinctive savory taste makes this seafood a favorite of many people. Unfortunately, often the fried squid that is expected to be soft and juicy actually turns out to be hard like rubber. Instead of enjoying a delicious dish, you are annoyed because the squid is difficult to chew.
Have you ever experienced something similar? Don't worry, this problem of tough fried squid is very common. The texture of squid is very sensitive and requires the right processing technique to get perfect results. If cooked for too long, the squid will become tough and lose its softness. However, if cooked for too short, the fishy aroma will be very pronounced and less appetizing.
So, how do you solve the problem of fried squid that is hard like rubber? Don't worry, this article will reveal 5 surefire tricks that you can try in the kitchen so that your fried squid is always soft, juicy, and addictive! Ready to become a fried squid expert? Let's check out the tips as summarized by BrilioFood from various sources.
1. Choose fresh squid and clean it properly.
The first step to get delicious fried squid is to choose fresh squid. Fresh squid has the following characteristics:
- Bright and not dull colors
- No strong fishy smell
- The texture is chewy and elastic when pressed
After getting fresh squid, clean it properly. Remove the ink, cartilage, and skin. To remove the fishy smell, coat the squid with lime or lemon juice. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Washing the squid with cold water also helps maintain the freshness of the meat.
2. Marinate with the right spices.
Marinating not only gives the squid flavor, but also helps make it more tender. Use a marinade that contains acid, such as lime or lemon juice. In addition, you can also add other spices such as ginger and grated garlic to add aroma and flavor. Let the squid sit in the marinade for at least 20 minutes so that the spices are perfectly absorbed.
Marinade Seasoning Example:
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 cm ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
3. Proper cooking techniques: Short or long duration at the same time.
Cooking time is crucial in determining the final texture of fried squid. There are two approaches you can use:
- Quick cooking: Fry the squid for only 2-3 minutes on high heat. This technique is suitable for those who want the squid to remain chewy and juicy.
- Slow cooking: Cook the squid on low heat for 30-60 minutes. This technique will make the squid very tender, but be careful not to break it up.
Avoid cooking squid for medium duration (between 5-30 minutes) because it will make it tough.
4. Use the deep fry technique with hot oil.
If you choose a fast cooking technique, use the deep fry technique or fry with lots of oil until the squid is completely submerged. Make sure the oil is really hot (around 180 degrees Celsius) before adding the squid. Fry the squid in small amounts so that the oil temperature remains stable and the squid cooks evenly.
5. Add baking powder or baking soda (optional).
Some people add a little baking powder or baking soda to the flour mixture or marinade to make fried squid more tender and crispy. Baking powder works by producing carbon dioxide gas which helps break down the squid fibers. However, the use of baking powder or baking soda is optional and you need to pay attention to the dosage so as not to spoil the taste of the squid.
Anti-tough flour fried squid recipe.
Here is a recipe for fried squid in flour that you can try at home:
Material:
- 500 grams of squid, clean and cut into rings
- Sufficient cooking oil
Marinade Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 cm ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Dipping Flour Ingredients:
- 100 grams of wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper powder
- 1/4 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 200 ml ice water
Coating Flour Ingredients:
- 300 grams of wheat flour
- 2 tbsp sago flour
- 1 tsp chicken stock powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sesame (optional)
How to make:
1. Coat the squid with marinade ingredients, let stand for 20 minutes.
2. Combine all the dipping flour ingredients, stir well.
3. Mix all the coating flour ingredients, sift.
4. Dip the squid into the batter, then roll it in the batter while lifting it up. Repeat once more for a thicker coating.
5. Fry the squid in hot oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Do not over fry.
6. Remove and drain. Serve the fried squid while warm with chili sauce or mayonnaise.
By following the techniques and recipes above, you can get fried squid that is soft, juicy, and not tough. Good luck and good luck!