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Squid Balls

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

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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. 1

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

  2. 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. 3

    Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls using wet hands.

  4. 4

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

  5. 5

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

  6. 6

    Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

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Questions

What should Squid Balls look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch in Squid Balls?

The entry for Squid Balls calls for 1/4 cup cornstarch. In its place: Use twice as much all-purpose flour and cook it a few minutes longer, or the same amount of arrowroot or tapioca starch.

Can I make Squid Balls gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Squid Balls 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.

Is Squid Balls low-carb?

A serving of Squid Balls carries 14 g of carbohydrate, 1 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 70 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 14 percent.

Does Squid Balls contain shellfish?

Yes: 1 lb fresh squid, chopped. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and shellfish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Can I freeze Squid Balls?

It is not a good candidate. Refrigerate what is left of Squid Balls within two hours and eat it 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.

Serve it with

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