Imagine the sizzling sound of fresh squid hitting a hot wok, the aroma of garlic and chilli dancing in the air, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked Salt and Pepper Squid. Craving that authentic Vietnamese street food experience? You can recreate this culinary delight in your own kitchen, inspired by the vibrant flavours of Com Com Restaurant. This guide will walk you through the process, sharing tips and tricks to achieve restaurant-quality Salt and Pepper Squid, even if you’re a novice cook.
Table Content:
- The Com Com Touch: A Taste of Vietnam in London
- Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Vietnamese Market (or Your Local Supermarket)
- Cooking Vietnamese Salt and Pepper Squid: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips and Variations for Perfect Salt and Pepper Squid
- Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
- Pairing and Enjoying Your Salt and Pepper Squid
- Frequently Asked Questions about Salt and Pepper Squid
- A Culinary Adventure Awaits: Experience the Flavours of Vietnam at Com Com
The Com Com Touch: A Taste of Vietnam in London
At Com Com Restaurant, we pride ourselves on bringing the true taste of Vietnamese street food to London. Salt and Pepper Squid, or Mực Rang Muối, is a beloved staple in Vietnam, often enjoyed as a starter or a shared plate with friends and family. We elevate this classic dish by using only the freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques, ensuring a truly authentic experience. Our chefs have perfected the balance of salty, spicy, and savoury, creating a dish that’s both addictive and unforgettable. Want to know our secret? We’re about to share it with you.
Fresh Ingredients for Salt and Pepper Squid
Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Vietnamese Market (or Your Local Supermarket)
The beauty of Vietnamese cooking lies in its fresh, vibrant ingredients. For our Salt and Pepper Squid, you’ll need the following, all readily available at most supermarkets, or even better, your local Asian market: Fresh squid (tubes and tentacles), garlic, chillies (red and green for a beautiful colour contrast), spring onions, ground black pepper, salt, and cornflour. A key ingredient to capturing the Com Com flavour is fish sauce – a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.
Preparing the Squid for Salt and Pepper Dish
Cooking Vietnamese Salt and Pepper Squid: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Squid: Clean the squid thoroughly, removing the beak, quill, and innards. Score the squid tubes diagonally on one side, creating a diamond pattern. This not only looks beautiful but also helps the squid curl up when cooked and ensures even cooking. Cut the tubes into bite-sized pieces and leave the tentacles whole.
- Marinate the Squid: In a bowl, combine the squid with minced garlic, chopped chillies, a dash of fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Coat the Squid: Toss the marinated squid in cornflour until evenly coated. This creates a light and crispy crust when fried.
- Fry the Squid: Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Carefully add the squid and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the wok, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy squid.
- Final Touches: Remove the squid from the oil and drain on paper towels. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve immediately.
Frying the Squid for a Crispy Texture
Tips and Variations for Perfect Salt and Pepper Squid
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilli to your liking. For a milder dish, use fewer chillies or remove the seeds. For an extra kick, add a pinch of chilli flakes.
- Aromatic Twist: Add a few finely sliced kaffir lime leaves to the marinade for a fragrant citrusy note.
- Crispy Perfection: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the squid. If the oil is not hot enough, the squid will absorb too much oil and become soggy. For crispier squid, do a double fry! Fry the squid once, remove it, let the oil reheat, and fry it again for a minute until extra crispy.
Want to try other delicious Vietnamese seafood dishes? Check out our Easy Vietnamese Crispy Squid (Muc Chien) at Home recipe!
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Squid is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. This dish offers a tasty and relatively healthy way to enjoy seafood.
Beautifully Plated Salt and Pepper Squid
Pairing and Enjoying Your Salt and Pepper Squid
- Perfect Pairings: Salt and Pepper Squid pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a refreshing salad, like our Nom Xoai (Mango Salad) or Goi Cuon (Summer Rolls).
- Beverage Match: A crisp, cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine complements the salty and spicy flavours of the squid perfectly.
- Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavour with a dipping sauce like sweet chilli sauce, or a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
How do you enjoy your Salt and Pepper Squid? Try serving it with a side of our Cabbage Salad for a light and refreshing meal!
Frequently Asked Questions about Salt and Pepper Squid
Q: Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
A: While fresh squid is preferred for optimal texture and flavour, you can use frozen squid. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.
Q: What type of oil is best for frying?
A: Vegetable oil or peanut oil are good choices for frying due to their high smoke points.
Q: Can I bake the squid instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake the squid for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How do I know when the squid is cooked?
A: The squid is cooked when it turns opaque and curls up. Overcooked squid will be tough and rubbery.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Salt and Pepper Squid is best served immediately after frying for optimal crispiness.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits: Experience the Flavours of Vietnam at Com Com
Making Salt and Pepper Squid at home is a rewarding culinary adventure. By following these simple steps and incorporating the fresh flavours that inspire Com Com Restaurant’s cuisine, you can transport yourself to the bustling streets of Vietnam without ever leaving your kitchen. Come and experience the authentic flavours of Vietnam at Com Com Restaurant, or try recreating this delicious dish at home. We can’t wait to hear about your culinary creations! Contact us at [email protected] or 020 7720 9928, or visit us at 183-185 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LB. Open daily from 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Delivery service available.
