Jiao Yan You Yu
Salt and Pepper Squid
A classic Hong Kong seafood restaurant favorite, this Jiao Yan You Yu features tender squid rings coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed with a fragrant mix of salt, pepper, garlic, chilies, and scallions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Squid(Cleaned, bodies and tentacles separated. If using whole squid, remove the quill and beak. Bodies should be cut into 1/2-inch rings.)
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch(For dredging the squid.)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1 tsp White pepper
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns(Freshly ground for best flavor.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Finely minced.)
- 3 Red chilies(Finely chopped (e.g., bird's eye or Fresno chilies, adjust to spice preference). Remove seeds for less heat.)
- 3 Scallions (green onions)(White and light green parts cut into 1-inch pieces, dark green parts thinly sliced for garnish.)
- 3-4 cups Vegetable oil(For deep frying. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the squid: Ensure the squid is thoroughly cleaned. If using whole squid, remove the transparent quill, beak, and any remaining innards. Rinse well. Cut the bodies into 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the tentacles. Pat all squid pieces extremely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Coat the squid: Place the dried squid pieces in a bowl. Add the cornstarch and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Prepare the aromatics and seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, white pepper, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Set aside. Finely mince the garlic, chop the red chilies, and cut the scallions into 1-inch pieces (reserving the dark green parts for garnish).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Fry the squid: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or deep pot to 180°C (350°F). Carefully add the coated squid in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the squid and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining squid.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 5
Sauté the aromatics: Carefully pour out most of the frying oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the wok. Heat the wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Combine and serve: Add the fried squid, the salt and pepper mixture, and the white/light green scallion pieces to the wok. Toss everything vigorously for about 1 minute until the squid is evenly coated with the seasonings and aromatics. Stir in the reserved dark green scallion slices just before serving. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure squid is bone dry before coating with cornstarch for maximum crispiness.
- ✓Fry the squid in batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent sogginess.
- ✓Use high heat for a quick fry; the squid should cook through rapidly.
- ✓Serve immediately after tossing to enjoy the best texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute shrimp or small pieces of firm white fish for squid.
- Add a pinch of five-spice powder to the salt and pepper mix for added complexity.
- Include thinly sliced ginger along with the garlic and chilies.