Bring restaurant-style flavor home with this Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid—perfectly golden and ultra-crunchy squid tossed with garlic, chili, cracked black pepper, and sea salt. This iconic Asian-inspired appetizer delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Serve it hot with lime wedges and sweet chili sauce for the ultimate seafood snack or starter.
For the squid:
1 lb squid (tubes and tentacles), cleaned and cut into rings
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup rice flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp white pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the stir-fry finish:
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red chili, finely sliced (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
Extra salt and pepper to taste
To serve:
Lime wedges
Sweet chili sauce (optional)
Pat squid dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, rice flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
Toss the squid in the flour mix until well coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry squid in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté garlic, red chili (if using), and green onions until fragrant.
Add the fried squid and toss quickly to coat in the aromatics. Sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper to finish.
Serve immediately with lime wedges and sweet chili sauce on the side.
Ensure squid is completely dry before coating for the crispiest result.
You can substitute rice flour with potato starch for an even lighter crunch.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot for maximum crispiness.
Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/crispy-salt-and-pepper-squid/