Best Easy Salt and Pepper Squid Recipe

Crispy salt and pepper squid with aromatic seasoning is a protein-rich crowd-pleaser. A fresh, family-friendly appetizer with bold, savory crunch.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 220 kcal
#protein rich #asian appetizer #family friendly #crispy seafood
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Squid, cleaned 1 lb
  • Cornstarch 0.5 cup
  • All-purpose flour 0.25 cup
  • Egg white 1 piece
  • Vegetable oil (for frying) 2 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Salt 0.75 tsp
  • Black pepper, freshly ground 0.75 tsp
  • White pepper 0.5 tsp
  • Garlic, finely chopped 2 cloves
  • Red chili, sliced 1 piece
  • Green onion, thinly sliced 2 pieces
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 17 g 31%
Protein 19 g 35%
Fat 8 g 33%
Serving size 140g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat squid dry and slice into 1/2-inch rings and tentacle pieces; ensure excess moisture is removed for a crisp coating.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk egg white until frothy. Coat squid in egg white, then dredge evenly in a mixture of cornstarch and all-purpose flour.

  3. 3

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F over medium-high heat. Fry coated squid in small batches for 2–3 minutes until light golden and crisp.

  4. 4

    Quickly transfer fried squid to a paper towel-lined plate. In a clean pan, add 1 tbsp oil and sauté garlic, chili, and green onion over medium heat until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Add the fried squid to the pan with aromatics. Season immediately with salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss for 30 seconds on high heat then serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient is fresh squid, which delivers the signature chewy yet tender bite. The combination of cornstarch and flour helps create a crisp coating, while aromatic seasonings like garlic, green onion, and peppers complete the dish's classic flavor profile.
Q. How do I prevent the squid from getting soggy or overcooked?
To achieve an irresistible crunch, thoroughly pat the squid dry before coating it. Fry in hot oil at 350°F for no more than 2–3 minutes per batch; overcooking causes the squid to turn rubbery. Always cook in small batches to avoid crowding the pan and ensure even crispiness.
Q. What gives salt and pepper squid its bold flavor?
The savory flavor comes from a mix of both black and white pepper, along with salt. Sautéed garlic, red chili, and green onion infuse the fried squid with aromatic heat and freshness, elevating the seafood's natural taste.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each 140-gram serving provides about 220 kcal, with 19g of protein, 17g of carbohydrates, and 8g of fat. Protein contributes 35% of the calories, making this dish relatively high in protein for a seafood appetizer.
AI 채팅 아이콘