Salt & pepper squid

Discover this authentic Vietnamese Salt & pepper squid recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with corn flour, plain flour, black pepper and 11 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 2 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this vietnamese classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026
1 views

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

330

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Salt & pepper squid

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 85 g Corn Flour
  • 85 g Plain Flour
  • 2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 tsp Szechuan Peppercorns
  • For frying Sunflower Oil
  • 400 g Squid
  • Sliced Spring Onions
  • Sliced Green Chilli
  • 1 chopped Red Chilli
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 1 chopped Red Onions
  • 100 ml Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Caster Sugar
  • 2 tsp Fish Sauce

Instructions

2 steps · ~11 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    To make the dipping sauce, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved, then set aside. Mix the cornflour and plain flour with both peppers and 2 tsp sea salt in a large bowl, then set aside. Line a tray with kitchen paper and make sure you have more salt to sprinkle with.

    3 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  2. Step 2

    Heat about 7cm of oil to 180C in a deep fryer, wok or deep pan. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it with a cube of bread – it should brown in 20 secs. Coat the squid well with the flour mix and fry in batches for about 2 mins each or until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to lift out the squid, then drain on the kitchen paper and sprinkle with a little more salt. Serve the squid scattered with the spring onion and chilli, with the dipping sauce on the side.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Vietnamese recipe for Salt & pepper squid is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Gluten-free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives or zucchini noodles. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Vietnamese cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your vietnamese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice
🍽️Fresh spring rolls
🍽️Vietnamese iced coffee

About This Dish

Salt & pepper squid is a beloved dish from Vietnamese cuisine, originating in Vietnam. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its freshness, lightness, and balance. It's characterized by the generous use of fresh herbs, minimal use of oil, and emphasis on fresh ingredients.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 14 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the best results, use fresh or frozen calamari (squid). Look for squid that is firm and has a mild ocean smell.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories330kcal
Total Fat15g
Sodium501mg
Total Carbohydrates36g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein40g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineVietnamese
CategorySeafood
CountryVietnam