Refreshing Squid & Cucumber Salad: Simple & Delicious

Squid and cucumber salad is a cool, tangy, and spicy dish, especially perfect for hot summer days. With the fresh flavor of squid and the delightful crunch of cucumber, this salad not only refreshes your daily menu but also brings a feeling of invigoration and deliciousness. Let’s discover how to make this simple yet incredibly appealing squid and cucumber salad!

Ingredients Needed

To make squid and cucumber salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cuttlefish: 500gr
• Cucumbers: 2
• Minced garlic: 2 teaspoons
• Vinegar, sugar, fish sauce, chili
• Coriander (or Vietnamese mint)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

• Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and soak them in diluted saltwater for about 20 minutes.
• Cut off both ends of the cucumbers to remove the sap, which prevents bitterness when eaten. Keep the skin on for a crispier texture (you can peel it for safety if preferred).
• Halve the cucumbers lengthwise and remove most of the seeds. This prevents the salad from becoming watery and mushy when mixed.
• Slice the cucumbers as shown in the picture, then marinate them with 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar.

Slicing cucumbers for the salad

Step 2: Prepare the Squid

• When you get the squid, remove the hard bone (cuttlebone), ink sac, and eyes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
• Note: Choose fresh cuttlefish that is thick, naturally white, and has clear eyes.
• Separate the tentacles from the body and cut into bite-sized squares. Score the inside of the squid body in a criss-cross pattern for an attractive appearance after blanching.

Cleaning and scoring fresh squid

Step 3: Blanch the Squid

• Prepare the blanching water: In a pot, combine 3 small bowls of water, ¼ small bowl of vinegar, and 4 teaspoons of sugar. Bring to a boil, then add the squid.
• After adding the squid, wait for the water to boil again, then turn off the heat. Let it sit for another 2-3 minutes until the squid is cooked.
• Remove the squid from the pot and transfer it to a bowl of cold water, then rinse again with clean water. Blanching the squid this way helps it retain its sweetness and makes it crispier.

Blanching squid in seasoned water

Step 4: Make the Dressing

• Fry the minced garlic until golden brown, then remove and drain excess oil.
• Finely chop the coriander (or Vietnamese mint).
• Prepare the salad dressing: 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of water, 1 teaspoon of vinegar (or fresh lime juice, as preferred). Mix all ingredients thoroughly. You can add sliced chili (more or less depending on your spice preference).
• Have all ingredients ready, but only mix the salad about 15 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

• First, mix the squid with the dressing to allow it to absorb the flavors, then add the cucumbers, and finally the coriander.
• Arrange the salad on a plate, sprinkle with fried garlic, and enjoy immediately.

Tossing the squid and cucumber salad

The Finished Dish

Delicious finished squid and cucumber salad

And there you have it, a delicious, tangy, spicy, and refreshing squid and cucumber salad!

Are you tired of daily meals full of greasy fried dishes that make you lose your appetite? A small change to your summer menu can help you enjoy your food more. Even if you feel tired on hot summer days, don’t skip meals or eat an unbalanced diet, as it will affect your health.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started right away! We wish you success with this dish!