Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid is simple to make yet bursting with flavor. The squid is perfectly tender on the inside, while the crispy exterior adds a satisfying crunch. The seasoning of salt, pepper, and spices creates the perfect balance of savory and spicy. Fried until golden, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to impress your guests. It’s ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, party appetizer, or a casual meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings or bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon white pepper (optional for extra spice)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• 1-2 fresh chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)

• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the squid: Rinse the squid under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure the coating sticks and the squid becomes crispy when fried.

2. Make the coating: In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, white pepper (if using), garlic powder, and paprika.

3. Coat the squid: Dredge the squid pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour mixture.

4. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need about 2-3 inches of oil for frying. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the coating into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.

5. Fry the squid: Carefully add the squid pieces to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the squid is golden brown and crispy. The squid cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it.

6. Drain and serve: Remove the squid from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the crispy squid with chopped cilantro or parsley and fresh sliced chilies (if using). Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 5-6 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add spice: Increase the amount of white pepper or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicier version.

• Use different seafood: This recipe works well with other seafood, such as shrimp or scallops. Simply follow the same coating and frying process.

• Crispy coating: For an extra crispy coating, you can add a tablespoon of rice flour to the cornstarch and flour mixture.

• Different dipping sauces: Serve with sweet chili sauce, soy sauce with garlic, or a tangy vinegar dip for extra flavor.

• Vegetarian version: Try using cauliflower florets or zucchini slices instead of squid for a vegetarian option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover crispy squid can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore its crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen squid?

Yes, you can use frozen squid. Be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent sogginess.

2. Can I make this recipe without frying?

While frying gives the squid its signature crispiness, you can bake the squid in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter option.

3. How do I know when the squid is cooked?

Squid cooks very quickly—about 2-3 minutes in hot oil is usually enough. Overcooking can make it rubbery, so be sure to keep an eye on it while frying.

4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the flour and cornstarch mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Coat the squid right before frying.

5. Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with other flours like rice flour, chickpea flour, or even gluten-free flour for a different texture or to make it gluten-free.

6. How can I keep the squid crispy after frying?

Serve the fried squid immediately after frying for the best crispy texture. If you need to hold it for a short time, place the squid on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F/90°C) to keep it crisp without getting soggy.

7. Can I double or triple this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be scaled up for a larger crowd. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain the crispy texture.

8. How do I prevent the squid from being greasy?

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the squid will absorb more oil and become greasy. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

9. Can I make this dish in advance?

It’s best to serve crispy squid right after frying to enjoy its texture. However, if you need to make it ahead, you can fry the squid and reheat it in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness.

10. What should I serve with crispy salt and pepper squid?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, a side salad, or a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce. You can also serve it with a simple vegetable stir-fry or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid is the perfect dish for seafood lovers. With its delicate squid, crunchy exterior, and irresistible seasoning, this recipe is a winner every time. Whether served as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course, the combination of flavors and textures makes this dish one you’ll want to make again and again. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, crispy salt and pepper squid will elevate any meal!

---

Print