Dim sum dish explainer
Salt and Pepper Squid (椒盐鱿鱼 / 椒鹽魷魚)
Fried squid seasoned with salt, pepper, chile, and aromatics. This page explains what it is, how to order it, how to eat it, and what dietary signals to check.
Quick definition
Salt and Pepper Squid (椒盐鱿鱼 / 椒鹽魷魚 · jiāo yán yóu yú) is fried squid seasoned with salt, pepper, chile, and aromatics.
What it is made of
Squid, starch or flour coating, salt, pepper, chile, scallion, garlic, and oil.
Flavor and texture
| Dimension | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Salty, peppery, aromatic, and lightly spicy. |
| Texture | Crisp coating with tender squid. Poor versions are rubbery or oily. |
| Category | Fried seafood |
How to order it
Order as a fried seafood dish for sharing. It is heavier than steamed seafood dumplings.
How to eat it
Eat immediately while crisp. It does not travel well for delivery.
Dietary and allergy signals
Contains seafood and may contain wheat or shared fryer risk.
For serious allergies or religious dietary requirements, ask the restaurant about fillings, sauces, wrappers, broth, cooking wine, lard, shared steamers, shared fryers, and shared prep surfaces.
Quality signs
Good versions are crisp and tender, not chewy or greasy.