Squid Balls

Name: Squid Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh squid, chopped; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 stalks scallions, finely sliced; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground white pepper; 2 cups vegetable oil

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these savory seafood bites are a popular street food snack. Serves well with sweet and sour sauce or spicy vinegar.

30 minMediumServes 4240 cal/serving

FilipinoAppetizerStovetopPescatarianHigh ProteinLow CarbHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

1 lb fresh squid, chopped
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks scallions, finely sliced
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1

Pulse 1 lb chopped fresh squid in a food processor until a smooth paste forms.
2

Transfer the squid paste to a bowl and stir in 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 stalks finely sliced scallions, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground white pepper until well combined.
3

Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls using wet hands.
4

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
5

Fry the balls in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
6

Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Questions

Can I make Squid Balls gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Squid Balls keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Squid Balls?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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