Thai Steamed Squid with Lime & Chili (Full Recipe)

Yield

• 2–3 servings

Total Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 10 minutes
• Total: ~25 minutes

Ingredients

Squid

• 400–500g whole squid (cleaned)
• Slice into rings, keep tentacles

Sauce (Signature Flavor 🔥)

• 3 tablespoons lime juice (fresh is key)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar
• 3–5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3–5 Thai chilies (finely chopped)

Aromatics & Garnish

• Fresh mint leaves
• Cilantro
• Lime slices
• Thinly sliced cabbage or carrot (optional base)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Squid

• Clean squid thoroughly
• Slice body into rings
• Keep tentacles whole

Step 2: Steam the Squid

• Bring water to a boil
• Steam squid for 5–6 minutes max

👉 Don’t overcook — squid should stay tender, not rubbery

• Remove and drain

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• Mix lime juice, fish sauce, sugar
• Add garlic and chilies

👉 Taste: should be sour > salty > slightly sweet > spicy

Step 4: Assemble

• Arrange squid on plate
• Pour sauce generously over
• Add lime slices around
• Top with mint and cilantro

Step 5: Serve

• Serve immediately while slightly warm or room temp

Flavor Profile

• Bright citrus acidity (lime)
• Salty umami (fish sauce)
• Spicy heat (chilies)
• Fresh herbal notes (mint + cilantro)

👉 It’s super refreshing but hits hard

Pro Tips

• Always use fresh lime juice (bottled = weak flavor)
• Adjust chili level based on tolerance
• Slightly crush garlic for stronger aroma
• Serve on chilled plate for extra freshness

Optional Upgrades

• Add glass noodles under squid
• Drizzle a bit of chili oil
• Add a splash of stock for a lighter sauce