Salt and Pepper Squid (Jiao Yan You Yu)

Jiao Yan You Yu, or Salt and Pepper Squid, is a universally loved dish that appears on Chinese restaurant menus across the globe. Fresh squid rings and tentacles are coated in a seasoned mixture of cornstarch and rice flour, then deep-fried in very hot oil until light, airy, and exquisitely crispy. Immediately upon coming out of the oil, the hot squid is tossed in a wok with minced garlic, fresh red and green chilies, sliced scallions, and a generous amount of fragrant toasted five-spice salt. The aromatics sizzle and cling to the crispy squid, infusing it with their fragrance without softening the crust. The finished dish has an ethereal crispiness, with every piece coated in a thin, shatteringly crisp coating that gives way to tender, sweet squid inside. The combination of the garlicky, spicy, and aromatic seasoning elevates the natural sweetness of the squid beautifully. Salt and Pepper Squid is typically served as a starter or sharing dish, accompanied by a wedge of lemon and sweet chili sauce.