If you are a seafood lover and appreciate the bold flavors of Thai cuisine, then you must try this mouthwatering recipe for Sotong Bakar ala Thai. This dish features succulent squid that is marinated in a fragrant blend of Thai spices before being grilled to perfection. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavors and textures, making it a favorite among many seafood enthusiasts.
With its unique combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, Sotong Bakar ala Thai is a dish that will tantalize your taste buds. The marinade, made from a blend of ingredients such as lemongrass, lime juice, fish sauce, and Thai chili paste, infuses the squid with a deliciously tangy and aromatic aroma. When grilled, the squid takes on a smoky char that adds depth to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 500g squid, cleaned and scored
- 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Thai chili paste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, Thai chili paste, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
- Add the cleaned squid to the marinade and toss until well-coated. Allow the squid to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the squid from the marinade and thread them onto skewers.
- Grill the squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and slightly charred.
- Remove the squid from the skewers and serve hot with steamed rice and a side of Thai chili sauce.
Nutrition:
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 300mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Protein: 23g
Choosing Fresh Squid
One of the key factors in creating a delicious Sotong Bakar ala Thai is using fresh squid. Look for squid that has bright and clear eyes, firm flesh, and a fresh ocean smell. Avoid squid that has a fishy odor or slimy texture, as this indicates that it is not fresh.
Appearance and Smell
When choosing fresh squid, pay attention to its appearance and smell. Fresh squid should have bright and clear eyes, indicating that it is still relatively fresh. The flesh should be firm to the touch and have a slightly sweet smell, resembling the freshness of the ocean. Avoid squid with cloudy or dull eyes, as this is a sign of spoilage.
Texture
The texture of the squid is another important factor to consider. Fresh squid should feel firm and slightly springy when you press your finger against it. Avoid squid that feels slimy or mushy, as this indicates that it is past its prime and may not taste as good when cooked.
Cleaning and Scoring the Squid
Before marinating and grilling the squid, it is important to clean and score it. This process ensures that the squid is free from any impurities and allows the marinade to penetrate the flesh, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Removing the Head and Tentacles
Start by removing the head of the squid by cutting just below the eyes. Gently pull the head away from the body, taking care not to tear the flesh. Next, remove the tentacles by cutting them off just above the eyes. Set the tentacles aside as they can also be grilled and enjoyed.
Cleaning the Body
Rinse the body of the squid under cold running water to remove any residual sand or ink. Use your fingers to gently rub the outer skin and rinse thoroughly. Pay special attention to the inside of the body, ensuring that it is free from any remaining innards.
Scoring the Squid
Scoring the squid not only enhances its appearance but also prevents it from curling up during cooking. To score the squid, use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts on both sides of the body. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you want to create a decorative pattern without slicing through the flesh.
Marinating Time
The marinade is an essential component of Sotong Bakar ala Thai as it imparts the dish with its distinct Thai flavors. Allowing the squid to marinate for an adequate amount of time ensures that the flavors penetrate the flesh, resulting in tender and flavorful squid.
Minimum Marinating Time
The minimum recommended marinating time for the squid is 30 minutes. During this time, the squid absorbs the flavors of the marinade, allowing the taste of the Thai spices to infuse the flesh. While 30 minutes is sufficient to achieve a flavorful result, longer marinating times will intensify the taste.
Marinating Overnight
If you are seeking a more intense flavor profile, consider marinating the squid overnight. Placing the squid and marinade in an airtight container and refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to develop and meld together. The result is a squid that is bursting with the bold and aromatic tastes of Thai cuisine.
Grilling Tips
Grilling the squid is the final step in creating a delicious Sotong Bakar ala Thai. The grilling process imparts a smoky char to the squid while ensuring that it remains tender and succulent. Follow these tips to achieve perfectly grilled squid every time.
Preheating the Grill
Before grilling the squid, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the squid cooks quickly and evenly, preventing it from becoming tough or rubbery. Allow the grill to heat up for at least 10 minutes before placing the squid on the grates.
Oil the Grill Grates
To prevent the squid from sticking to the grill grates, lightly oil them before cooking. This can be done by brushing vegetable oil or using a non-stick cooking spray. The oil creates a barrier between the squid and the grates, allowing for easy flipping and removal once cooked.
Grilling Time
Grill the squid for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is opaque and slightly charred. Overcooking the squid can result in a chewy and rubbery texture, so keep a close eye on it during the grilling process. The squid should be firm to the touch but still tender and juicy.
Resting Time
Once the squid is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the flesh, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Sotong Bakar ala Thai is best enjoyed when served with complementary dishes that enhance its flavors and textures. Consider these serving suggestions to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Steamed Rice
Steamed rice is a staple accompaniment to many Thai dishes, and Sotong Bakar ala Thai is no exception. The fluffy and fragrant rice provides the perfect base for the tangy and spicy flavors of the squid. Serve the grilled squid over a bed of steamed rice, allowing the grains to soak up the delicious marinade.
Thai Chili Sauce
A side of Thai chili sauce is the perfect condiment to accompany Sotong Bakar ala Thai. The spicy and tangy flavors of the sauce complement the savory grilled squid, adding an extra kick of heat. You can either drizzle the sauce over the squid or serve it on the side for dipping.
Thai Salad
Pair Sotong Bakar ala Thai with a refreshing Thai salad for a complete and balanced meal. Thai salads, such as green papaya salad or mango salad, feature vibrant flavors and crunchy textures that contrast beautifully with the grilled squid. The combination of the tangy salad and smoky squid creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
For a more substantial meal, consider serving the grilled squid alongside a medley of stir-fried vegetables. The crisp and colorful vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the tender squid, adding a variety of textures and flavors to the dish. Choose vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and baby corn for a vibrant and nutritious side dish.
In conclusion, Sotong Bakar ala Thai is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine and the succulent goodness of squid. With its unique marinade and grilling method, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So, fire up the grill and get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering Thai-style grilled squid!