Cook squid soup

Instructions

1. Prepare the Squid

• If you haven’t already done so, clean the squid. Remove the skin, head, and innards, then slice the squid into rings or bite-sized pieces. You can also leave the squid whole if you prefer larger pieces.
• Rinse the squid under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Aromatics and Vegetables

• Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and celery. Slice the carrot into rounds, and dice the tomatoes.
• Slice the ginger into thin strips, and if using fresh chilies, slice them into rings. If you like a spicier soup, leave the seeds in the chilies; if you prefer it milder, remove the seeds before slicing.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, ginger slices, and chopped chilies (if using). Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic and ginger release their fragrant aroma.

4. Build the Soup Base

• Add the carrot slices, celery, and tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and let them cook for a few minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
• Pour in the fish stock or vegetable broth, followed by the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Add the Squid

• Add the sliced squid to the pot and stir gently. The squid cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it.
• Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the squid is tender but still juicy. The squid will turn opaque when fully cooked.

6. Finish with Lime

• Add the kaffir lime leaves (or lime zest) to the soup for a fresh, citrusy aroma. Stir well to infuse the broth with the lime’s flavor.
• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. If needed, add more soy sauce or fish sauce for saltiness, or a little extra sugar to balance the flavors. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra tanginess.

7. Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good amount of the squid, vegetables, and broth.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for color and an extra burst of freshness.
• Serve the soup with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to add a bit of extra citrus if they like.

Tips for the Perfect Squid Soup

1. Don’t Overcook the Squid: Squid cooks very quickly. Overcooking it will cause it to become tough and rubbery. Once the squid turns opaque, it’s done.
2. Customize the Broth: If you prefer a richer broth, you can use a combination of fish stock and coconut milk for a creamy twist. For a spicier soup, increase the amount of chili or add chili paste.
3. Use Fresh Squid: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh squid if you can find it. If using frozen squid, ensure it is properly thawed and drained before cooking.
4. Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy for added texture and nutrition. They also absorb the delicious flavors of the broth.
5. Make it Ahead: The soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to add the squid just before serving to prevent overcooking.

Variations of Squid Soup

1. Thai-style Squid Soup: Add a bit of lemongrass and fish sauce for a more pronounced Thai flavor. You can also use Thai bird’s eye chilies to make it spicy.
2. Korean-style Squid Soup: For a Korean twist, incorporate gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a slightly sweet, spicy flavor and serve with steamed white rice.
3. Mediterranean Calamari Soup: If you prefer Mediterranean flavors, try adding dill and lemon to the broth, and use a bit of white wine for added depth of flavor.
4. Spicy Seafood Soup: Add other seafood like shrimp, clams, or fish fillets for a hearty, mixed seafood soup.

Why You Should Make Squid Soup

Squid soup is a wonderful, versatile dish that offers both comfort and flavor in every bowl. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a light meal yet satisfying enough to serve as a starter before a main course. Whether you prefer a tangy broth or a rich, savory base, you can easily adjust the flavor to suit your taste.

The squid’s naturally sweet and tender meat, combined with the aromatic broth, creates a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seafood in a healthy, flavorful way without any heavy cream or excessive oil.

With its quick cooking time and fresh ingredients, squid soup is a great recipe to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation or serve for special occasions when you want to impress guests with something a little different. Whether enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread, some steamed rice, or just on its own, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Squid soup is a flavorful, light, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any season. Its combination of tender squid, aromatic vegetables, and a savory broth makes it a comforting and delicious meal that is both healthy and easy to prepare. With the flexibility to adapt the recipe to suit your taste, you’ll find yourself making this dish over and over again.

Give this squid soup recipe a try, and enjoy the fresh, ocean-inspired flavors that will make your taste buds dance.