Squid with Roe in Lime Broth

Ingredients

• 500 g Squid with roe (Clean thoroughly and cut into pieces as desired)
• 750 ml Water (For the broth)
• 2 Lemongrass (Bruise until slightly split, then cut into sections)
• 2 Cilantro roots (Clean thoroughly and bruise until slightly split)
• 1 tsp Seasoning powder (Adjust according to the saltiness of the product)
• Salt (Season to taste)
• 2 tbsp Fish sauce (Adjust to taste)
• 4 Garlic (Peel and lightly crush or roughly chop)
• 8 Bird’s eye chilies (Bruise or slice; adjust the spiciness to taste)
• 3 tbsp Lime juice (Add after turning off the heat to preserve its fresh aroma and flavor)
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves (Pick the leaves, rinse, and drain)

Steps

1. 1

   Clean the squid with roe thoroughly, taking care not to rupture the roe sacs too much. Then cut into bite-sized pieces as desired.

2. 2

   Prepare the lemongrass by bruising it lightly and cutting it into sections. Rinse and bruise the cilantro roots. Prepare the garlic, bird’s eye chilies, lime juice, and Thai basil leaves.

3. 3

   Place a pot over medium heat. Add the water, lemongrass, cilantro roots, and seasoning powder. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil and simmer until fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the squid with roe to the boiling broth. Cook over medium heat until the squid begins to cook and the flesh turns opaque white and springy, about 3–4 minutes. Do not overcook, or the squid will become tough.

5. 5

   Season with salt and fish sauce. Stir gently to combine, then taste and adjust until the broth has a pleasantly balanced salty flavor.

6. 6

   Add the garlic and bird’s eye chilies. Continue cooking briefly, about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

7. 7

   Turn off the heat before adding the lime juice to preserve its fresh sour flavor. Then add the Thai basil leaves and stir gently until wilted.

8. 8

   Ladle the squid with roe and hot broth into bowls. Serve immediately, garnished with Thai basil leaves if desired.

Notes

The original recipe did not specify ingredient quantities, so the amounts have been estimated for 2 servings. Add the fish sauce, salt, and lime juice gradually, tasting and adjusting to preference.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• soup
• Thai-inspired
• seafood
• spicy
• sour
• quick
• gluten-free