Squid Balls Street Food: A Delicious and Affordable Treat

You're walking down the street and you see a food cart selling squid balls. You're not sure what it is, but the smell is enticing. You decide to give it a try and find yourself enjoying the delicious, savoury flavour of these bite-sized treats.

Squid balls are a popular street food in many parts of the world, and they're definitely worth a try.

Squid balls are small, round balls made from squid meat and other ingredients. They're usually deep-fried and served with a dipping sauce.

Squid balls are a popular street food in many parts of Asia, including the Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan. They're also popular in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Australia.

If you're curious about squid balls and want to learn more, keep reading. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the origins and popularity of squid balls, how they're prepared and cooked, and answer some frequently asked questions about this delicious street food.

Key Takeaways

• Squid balls are a popular street food in many parts of the world, including Asia, the United States, and Australia.
• Squid balls are made from squid meat and other ingredients, and are usually deep-fried and served with a dipping sauce.
• In this article, we'll explore the origins and popularity of squid balls, how they're prepared and cooked, and answer some frequently asked questions about this delicious street food.

Origins and Popularity

Cultural Significance

Squid balls are a popular street food in many Asian countries, including the Philippines, Taiwan, and China. They are typically made by grinding squid meat and mixing it with flour, spices, and other ingredients before shaping the mixture into balls and deep-frying them. Squid balls are often served on skewers, making them easy to eat on the go.

In the Philippines, squid balls are commonly sold by street vendors, who often set up shop near schools, markets, and other busy areas. They are a popular snack among students and workers looking for a quick and affordable bite to eat. Squid balls are often served with a sweet and sour sauce or a spicy vinegar dip.

Squid balls are also a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine. They are often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. In Taiwan, squid balls are sometimes served in a soup with other seafood, such as fish balls and shrimp.

Comparison to Other Street Foods

Squid balls are just one of many popular street foods found in Asia. Fish balls, which are made from ground fish meat, are another common street food in the region. Like squid balls, fish balls are often served on skewers and can be eaten on the go.

Seafood is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and street food vendors often offer a variety of seafood-based snacks and dishes. In addition to squid balls and fish balls, other popular seafood street foods include grilled squid, octopus balls, and shrimp dumplings.

Compared to other types of street food, squid balls are a relatively affordable option. They are often sold in small portions, making them a popular choice for those on a budget. Squid balls are also easy to prepare and can be cooked quickly, making them a convenient snack for busy people on the go.

Preparation and Cooking

Ingredients and Variations

To make squid balls, you will need fresh squid, white fish fillets, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, ground black pepper, salt, sugar, sesame oil, and water. You can also add other seasonings and garnishes such as coriander, cheese, oyster sauce, sweet chili sauce, and mayonnaise to enhance the flavor and texture of the squid balls.

You can also make variations of the squid balls by using different types of seafood such as shrimp, calamari, or fish paste. You can also add vegetables such as onions, carrots, or sweet potatoes to the mixture to add more texture and nutrients.

Cooking Techniques

To prepare the squid balls, you need to clean and chop the squid and fish fillets into small pieces. Then, you need to mix them with the other ingredients in a food processor until it reaches a paste consistency. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up the texture.

Next, use two spoons to form the mixture into balls. Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully drop the squid balls into the water. Boil for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove from the water and drain.

To fry the squid balls, heat oil in a wok or deep-frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the squid balls into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.

Serving and Accompaniments

Squid balls are a popular street food in many countries and are often served as a snack or appetizer. They are also a great addition to a rice or noodle dish or served with dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce or toasted sesame oil mixed with white pepper.

You can also garnish the squid balls with coriander or green onions to add more flavor and texture. Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months and reheated in the oven or microwave. Squid balls are a good source of protein, calcium, and iron and can be a healthy addition to your menu when prepared with healthy cooking techniques such as boiling or baking instead of deep-frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do squid balls cost as street food?

Squid balls are a popular street food in the Philippines and are usually sold in small carts or stalls. The price can vary depending on the location and the vendor, but on average, you can expect to pay around £0.50 to £1 per serving.

Can you share a typical recipe for making squid balls?

Certainly! A typical recipe for making squid balls involves grinding squid, fish fillets, flour, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, pepper, salt, sugar, and sesame oil in a food processor until it reaches a paste consistency. The mixture is then formed into balls and boiled in water until they are cooked through. You can find a more detailed recipe here.

What ingredients are needed to prepare squid balls?

The main ingredients needed to prepare squid balls are squid, fish fillets, flour, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, pepper, salt, sugar, and sesame oil. Some recipes may call for additional seasonings or ingredients, but these are the basic components.

What's the best way to cook frozen squid balls?

The best way to cook frozen squid balls is to thaw them first in the refrigerator overnight. Once they are thawed, you can boil them in water until they are cooked through. Alternatively, you can deep-fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.

What exactly are squid balls composed of?

Squid balls are composed of ground squid, fish fillets, flour, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, pepper, salt, sugar, and sesame oil. These ingredients are mixed together to form a paste-like consistency, which is then formed into balls and cooked.

How many calories are there in a typical serving of squid ball street food?

The number of calories in a typical serving of squid ball street food can vary depending on the size of the serving and the specific recipe used. On average, a serving of squid balls contains around 150-200 calories.