Squid Salad à la Binh is a delightful dish that brings together the succulent flavors of tender squid with the vibrant freshness of herbs and zesty lime juice. Perfect for those craving a light and refreshing seafood dish, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with aromatic goodness. With just a few simple steps, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends alike.
To begin crafting this culinary delight, gather your ingredients and prepare for a whirlwind of flavor. With a total preparation time of just 15 minutes, including a mere 5 minutes of cooking, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this dish comes together. But don’t let its simplicity fool you—each bite is packed with complex flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
First, bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. This will serve as the bubbling cauldron in which our squid will be cooked to perfection. While the water reaches its boiling point, prepare the star of our dish—the squid. With a sharp knife in hand, slice the body of each squid crosswise into 1-inch slices, and the tentacles into 1/2-inch pieces. These bite-sized morsels will ensure that every forkful is a harmonious blend of texture and taste.
Once the water is at a rolling boil, carefully add the squid to the pot. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pot, as we want each piece to have ample space to cook evenly. Allow the squid to simmer gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water just comes back to a boil. It’s crucial not to overcook the squid, as it has a tendency to become tough and chewy when left in the pot for too long. Keep a close eye on the clock and trust your instincts—you’ll know the squid is ready when it turns opaque and firm to the touch.
With the precision of a seasoned chef, drain the squid immediately to halt the cooking process. This step ensures that our seafood remains tender and succulent, ready to absorb the vibrant flavors of our marinade. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked squid with the remaining ingredients—garlic cloves, onion, lime juice, fresh mint, cilantro leaves, nuoc nam, sugar, and salt. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in elevating the dish, adding layers of complexity and depth to every bite.
Toss the squid gently in the marinade, ensuring that each piece is coated in the aromatic mixture. Then, set the bowl aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For an even more intense flavor experience, consider marinating the squid for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This extended soak will infuse the seafood with the essence of the herbs and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with each mouthful.
When you’re ready to serve, arrange crisp lettuce leaves on a platter and top them with the marinated squid mixture. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will beckon your guests to indulge in this culinary masterpiece. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, light lunch, or elegant dinner party dish, Squid Salad à la Binh is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
With its stellar combination of fresh ingredients, quick preparation time, and irresistible flavor, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So don your chef’s hat, sharpen your knives, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the sea. Squid Salad à la Binh is not just a dish—it’s a culinary experience that will leave you craving more with each and every bite.
