
In Vietnam, squid with roe is a popular delicacy, especially in coastal regions. Vietnamese people enjoy preparing this dish in various ways. Here are some common cooking methods:
1. Grilled Squid with Roe (Mực nướng trứng):
Preparation: Clean the squid with roe thoroughly, removing the innards but keeping the roe intact. Cut the squid into appropriately sized pieces.
Seasoning: Marinate the squid with fish sauce, garlic, lemongrass, chili, sugar, and some spices.
Grilling: Grill the squid over charcoal or on a grill until the surface is golden and slightly charred. The grilled squid can be served with a dip made of lime juice and pepper salt to enhance the flavor.
2. Squid with Roe Soup (Canh mực trứng):
Preparation: Clean the squid, removing the innards but keeping the roe intact.
Making the Broth: Use fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and some seafood broth to create a base for the soup.
Cooking the Squid: Add the squid to the broth and simmer until the squid is tender and the roe is fully cooked.
Adding Vegetables: Tomatoes and pineapples are often added to the soup to enhance its sweetness and depth of flavor.
3. Stir-Fried Squid with Roe (Mực xào trứng):
Preparation: Clean the squid thoroughly, slice it into rings or pieces, keeping the roe intact.
Stir-Frying: Heat a pan with oil, then stir-fry minced garlic and chili first. Add the squid and stir-fry until it’s halfway cooked. Season with fish sauce, sugar, and pepper, then stir quickly.
Vegetable Pairing: Onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables are often added to the stir-fry to enhance the texture and flavor.
4. Crispy Fried Squid with Roe (Mực chiên giòn):
Preparation: Cut the squid into small pieces, keeping the roe inside.
Coating and Frying: Coat the squid pieces in a mixture of flour or starch, then deep-fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Serving with Dip: The fried squid is typically served with a dipping sauce made from Vietnamese fish sauce or sweet chili sauce.