Squid and Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Seafood Delight

Squid and cucumber salad is a light, refreshing dish that offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. This seafood salad is perfect for warm days when you're craving something fresh yet satisfying. The combination of tender squid and crisp cucumber, all tied together with a simple, flavorful dressing, creates a salad that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Its simplicity highlights the natural taste of squid while incorporating the freshness of cucumbers and other ingredients to balance the dish.

This salad is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings a touch of elegance to your table. With minimal cooking involved and a short list of ingredients, it’s a go-to option when you’re looking for something quick, fresh, and full of flavor. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a perfect squid and cucumber salad.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients. Make sure to gather all the items beforehand to streamline the preparation process.

Main Ingredients:

• 400g fresh squid (cleaned and cut into rings or strips)
• 2 medium-sized cucumbers (sliced thinly)
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making this delectable salad.

Step 1: Preparing the Squid

To begin, prepare the squid by cleaning it thoroughly if it hasn’t already been done. Make sure to remove the internal parts, skin, and cartilage. Once the squid is cleaned, cut it into rings or thin strips, depending on your preference.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Carefully drop the squid into the boiling water and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes. The squid should turn opaque and have a tender texture, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become rubbery. After cooking, drain the squid and transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its tender texture.

Once the squid has cooled down, drain the water and pat it dry using paper towels. Set aside the cooked squid while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

While the squid cools, it's time to focus on the vegetables. Start by slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds. You can use a mandolin for evenly thin slices or cut them by hand. The thin slices help create a light, crisp texture that complements the squid.

Next, slice the red onion as thinly as possible. If the onion’s flavor is too strong for your liking, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness. Once soaked, drain and pat them dry.

Chop the fresh cilantro for garnish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or omit it altogether.

Step 3: Making the Dressing

The dressing is what ties the flavors of the salad together. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well-blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is light but packed with umami, complementing the delicate flavors of the squid and the freshness of the cucumber.

Step 4: Assembling the Salad

Now that all the components are ready, it's time to assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squid, cucumber slices, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss the ingredients to ensure everything is well-coated.

Once mixed, transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a final touch of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Serving the Salad

Squid and cucumber salad is best served chilled, making it a refreshing dish for warm weather. Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will give the flavors time to meld together and ensure that the salad is perfectly cool.

Serve the salad as an appetizer or a light main dish. It pairs wonderfully with other seafood dishes or grilled vegetables. For added crunch, you can also include toasted peanuts or cashews as a garnish.

Variations

If you'd like to experiment with this salad, there are several variations you can try:

1. Add Avocado: For a creamier texture, toss in diced avocado just before serving. The richness of avocado pairs beautifully with the tender squid and crisp cucumber.

2. Spice it Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add thinly sliced red chili or a dash of chili flakes to the dressing. The heat will add a spicy kick to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

3. Herb Variations: While cilantro is commonly used, you can substitute it with fresh mint or basil for a different herbal twist. Mint, in particular, adds a cool, refreshing taste that complements the cucumber perfectly.

4. Add Seaweed: For an even more authentic taste of the ocean, you can incorporate rehydrated wakame seaweed into the salad. It brings an additional layer of umami and texture to the dish.

5. Citrus Twist: If you enjoy citrus flavors, add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the dressing. The acidity of the citrus enhances the freshness of the salad and brightens the flavors of the squid and cucumber.

Storage and Leftovers

Squid and cucumber salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. After that, the cucumbers may start to lose their crispness, and the squid can become tougher in texture. Therefore, it’s recommended to enjoy this salad as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.

Squid and cucumber salad is a versatile, refreshing dish that’s simple yet sophisticated. Its combination of tender squid, crisp cucumbers, and a flavorful dressing makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy light seafood dishes. Whether you're serving it as a starter or a main course, this salad is sure to impress with its clean, fresh flavors and elegant presentation. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a delightful dish that brings the taste of the sea to your table.

Enjoy making and savoring this exquisite squid and cucumber salad!