Easy Steamed Squid w/ Fish Sauce

Squid is a nutritious seafood popular in many dishes. This Steamed Squid with Fish Sauce recipe is not only simple but also offers a unique flavor – both tender-sweet and savory, perfect with steamed rice or as an appetizer.

Plate of delicious steamed squid with fish sauce
Steamed squid with fish sauce featuring appealing colors and enticing flavor.

Ingredients for Steamed Squid with Fish Sauce

• 300g fresh squid: Opt for small squid tubes or baby squid for natural tenderness and sweetness.
• 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 small piece ginger, minced, 1 shallot, sliced.
• Seasoning: 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon MSG (optional), 1 tablespoon chili sauce, cooking oil.

Note: The squid must be fresh, not spoiled or mushy. Poor quality squid will prevent the dish from achieving the desired delicious flavor.

Fresh ingredients for steamed squid with fish sauce prepared on a cutting board
Fresh ingredients are key to the dish’s success.

Detailed Instructions for Steamed Squid with Fish Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Squid

• Clean the squid thoroughly, removing the ink sac, eyes, and outer membrane. If using small baby squid, simply wash them well without peeling.
• Soak the squid in diluted saltwater for about 5 minutes to reduce any fishy odor, then rinse again with clean water and drain well.

Cleaning and preparing fresh squid
Thorough preparation ensures a better tasting dish.

Step 2: Steam the Squid

• Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding a few slices of shallot for extra flavor. Once boiling, add the squid and steam for about 2-3 minutes until it firms up and turns opaque white. Do not overcook, as the squid will become tough.
• After steaming, immediately remove the squid and plunge it into a bowl of ice-cold water to maintain its tenderness. Drain well before proceeding.

Steamed squid being transferred to an ice bath
Soaking squid in ice water helps maintain its tenderness.

Step 3: Mix the Fish Sauce Mixture

• Combine the following ingredients in a bowl: 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon MSG, 1 tablespoon chili sauce. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• The chili sauce not only adds beautiful color but also enhances the dish’s characteristic flavor.

Mixing fish sauce, sugar, and chili sauce in a bowl
A well-proportioned fish sauce mixture is key to success.

Step 4: Finish the Steamed Squid with Fish Sauce

• Heat some cooking oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced shallot until fragrant. Then, add the prepared fish sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
• Add the steamed squid to the pan, tossing well for 1-2 minutes to ensure the squid is evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly. If you like it spicy, you can add a few slices of chili.
• Turn off the heat and transfer the squid to a serving dish.

Finished steamed squid with fish sauce simmering in a pan
The completed steamed squid with fish sauce, looking appealing.

Finished Dish and Serving

The finished Steamed Squid with Fish Sauce has an attractive golden-brown color, with tender-sweet squid meat and a rich, savory flavor. The harmonious balance of salty and sweet, combined with the aroma of garlic, ginger, and shallots, makes the dish incredibly appealing.

Plated steamed squid with fish sauce ready to serve
Enjoy the steamed squid with fish sauce while hot to fully appreciate the flavor.

Tips for Even Tastier Steamed Squid with Fish Sauce

• Choose fresh squid: Fresh squid will give the dish a natural tenderness and sweetness. If using dried squid, soak it until soft before cooking.
• Don’t oversalt: Squid already has some natural saltiness, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Use coconut water: Replacing plain water with coconut water when steaming the squid will add a subtle sweetness and enhance the aroma.
• Maintain tenderness: Soaking the squid in ice water after steaming is the secret to achieving maximum tenderness.

With this Steamed Squid with Fish Sauce recipe, you can easily prepare a delicious and nutritious meal at home. Give it a try and share your results with family and friends!