Imagine the sound of crispy batter shattering as you take your first bite of Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid, the warmth of the kitchen enveloping you in comfort. It’s remarkable how a few simple ingredients can transform into a dish that rivals your favorite seaside restaurant. I discovered this recipe during a lazy Sunday afternoon, longing for the perfect snack that wouldn’t break the bank—or my time constraints.
With a light, airy batter that maintains its crunch, this squid recipe brings restaurant-quality flair into your home. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special, it combines tenderness with an irresistible crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, its straightforward preparation means you can whip it up even on a busy weeknight.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making this delightful dish that’s bound to leave your taste buds dancing!
Why is Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid special?
Irresistible Crunch: The light and airy batter creates a satisfying crunch that holds its texture beautifully, even when cold.
Quick Preparation: You can have this delicious seafood dish ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight treat.
Flavorful Adventure: The blend of white pepper and salt enhances the natural taste of squid, offering a unique flavor sensation you’ll love.
Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Serve it at parties, and watch your guests rave about this unforgettable dish.
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it with tangy aioli or a refreshing lemon wedge for that extra zing! Whether you’re in the mood for something special or just a casual evening snack, this recipe has got you covered.
Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid Ingredients
Get ready to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
For the Squid
- Squid – Fresh or cleaned squid works best; baby squid offers tenderness and flavor.
For the Batter
- Cornflour (cornstarch) – Essential for achieving that perfect crispiness; substitutes may alter texture.
- Plain Flour (all-purpose) – This is key for a beautiful golden color in your batter; avoid substituting for optimal results.
- Baking Powder – Adds lightness to the batter, making each bite delightful and airy.
- Cooking Salt – A seasoning essential; adjust to taste for the perfect flavor profile.
- White Pepper Powder – Offers a subtle warmth and flavor; black pepper can stand in if needed.
- Cold Tap Water – Ensures the right consistency; remember to skip the fizzy water!
Embrace the satisfaction of crafting your own Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid—a dish that promises to impress everyone at the table!
How to Make Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid
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Prep Squid: Start by cleaning and scoring the squid, making shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern. Cut it into rectangular pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Make Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, salt, and cold tap water until smooth. Pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill—this is crucial for the batter’s crunch!
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Heat Oil: Preheat your vegetable or canola oil in a deep pot to about 160°C (320°F). A thermometer helps achieve the perfect frying temperature.
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Coat Squid: Once your batter is chilled, toss the squid pieces in it until they’re evenly coated—creamy and luscious!
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First Fry: Carefully drop the squid into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn light golden, then drain them on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
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Second Fry: Raise the oil temperature to 200°C (390°F) and fry the squid again for about 90 seconds. This step will make them deep golden and wonderfully crispy!
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Season and Serve: Once done, season the squid with more salt and white pepper to taste. Serve immediately with aioli and fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch!
Optional: Toss with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead by whisking together the cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, salt, and water, then refrigerate it to maintain quality. Also, you can clean and score the squid in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, toss the squid in the chilled batter and follow the frying steps for restaurant-quality results. This way, you’ll have delicious, crunchy squid on the table with minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal!
How to Store and Freeze Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid
- Room Temperature: Enjoy your crispy squid fresh out of the fryer. If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure optimal taste and safety.
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, keep a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
- Freezer: If you need to freeze, portion the squid into freezer bags or containers after cooling completely. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: To restore the crispy texture, reheat the squid in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 8-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the delightful crunch again!
What to Serve with Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid?
Elevate your dining experience with delicious pairings that complement the irresistible crunch and flavor of this squid dish.
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Garlic Aioli: A creamy and tangy dip that enhances the squid’s flavor, adding a delightful richness.
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Zesty Lemon Wedges: Bright and refreshing, squeezing lemon over the squid adds a perfect zing that cuts through the richness.
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Crispy French Fries: The classic combination of squid and fries creates a satisfying meal, with the fries soaking up any extra aioli.
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Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette brings a fresh contrast, balancing the crispy batter beautifully.
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Chili Dipping Sauce: A sweet and spicy condiment that adds a kick to each bite, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.
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Cold Beer: A crisp lager or pale ale pairs perfectly, with its carbonation cutting through the fried richness of the squid for a refreshing sip.
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Sushi Rolls: The delicate flavors of sushi rolls make a fun and complementary pairing, especially with a touch of wasabi for some heat!
Pair these delightful options to take your meal from great to extraordinary, filling your table with flavors that will impress everyone.
Expert Tips for Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid
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Chill the Batter: Refrigerating the batter for at least 30 minutes allows for better gluten development, ensuring it clings perfectly to the squid.
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Temperature Monitoring: Keep an eye on the oil temperature; dropping it too low can lead to chewy squid instead of crispy perfection.
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Score the Squid: Scoring helps the squid cook evenly and enhances the overall crunch—don’t skip this step for delightful results!
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Batch Frying: Fry the squid in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature, which is key for achieving that coveted crispy texture.
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Serve Immediately: For the best experience, enjoy your Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid right after frying, as it retains its crunchiest texture while hot.
Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid Variations
Feel free to explore new dimensions of flavor and texture with your squid creation!
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the batter for a delightful heat that elevates your dish.
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to the batter for a lovely aroma and fresh taste.
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Zesty Twist: Incorporate lemon zest into the batter to brighten the flavor profile and add a citrusy zing that tantalizes the palate.
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Coconut Crunch: Substitute half the cornflour with desiccated coconut for a tropical twist that adds both flavor and texture.
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Cheese Lover’s Dream: Toss in some finely grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese to the batter for a savory, umami-packed layer of flavor.
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Asian Flair: Use sesame oil instead of regular oil for frying to impart a unique nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the squid.
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Batter Boost: Experiment with a splash of beer or sparkling water in place of tap water for a different texture that’s even crisper.
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Alternative Sauces: Serve your squid with homemade garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo for an exciting dipping experience that packs a flavorful punch.
Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid Recipe FAQs
What type of squid is best for this recipe?
For this recipe, I recommend using fresh or cleaned squid, especially baby squid for their tenderness. If baby squid aren’t available, squid tubes are a suitable alternative that still delivers a great texture and taste.
How should I store leftover squid?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To keep them crispy, I suggest placing a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture, which helps maintain the best texture.
Can I freeze Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, let the squid cool completely after frying. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 8-10 minutes until crispy again. This method helps retain that delightful crunch!
Why is it important to chill the batter?
Cooling the batter in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is crucial because it helps develop gluten, which allows the batter to adhere better to the squid. This step results in a light, crispy texture that holds even when cooled. So, don’t skip it!
What can I serve with Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid?
I often like to serve this dish with tangy aioli—a delicious mix of mayonnaise and garlic—or lemon wedges for a refreshing zest. You can also experiment with other dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy-based options for some variety.
Is this dish suitable for people with food allergies?
When preparing this squid dish, be mindful of potential allergens. The batter contains wheat and corn, so anyone with gluten sensitivities or corn allergies should avoid this recipe. Always tailor the ingredients to your guests’ dietary needs to ensure everyone can enjoy this crispy treat!
Truly Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid That Will Impress Everyone
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cleaning and scoring the squid, making shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern. Cut it into rectangular pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, salt, and cold tap water until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat vegetable or canola oil in a deep pot to about 160°C (320°F).
- Once the batter is chilled, toss the squid pieces in it until they are evenly coated.
- Carefully drop the squid into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn light golden, then drain them on paper towels.
- Raise the oil temperature to 200°C (390°F) and fry the squid again for about 90 seconds until deep golden and crispy.
- Season the squid with more salt and white pepper to taste. Serve immediately with aioli and fresh lemon wedges.