This was new to me. Does Fried Eggs with Baby Squid Work? Oh it works!
And why not. I have already shared with you my Fish and Scrambled Eggs on Toast recipe, and this one is even better.
Have some crusty bead and Potatoes Bravas to serve it with.
I first tried these at the famous:
El Quim de la Boqueria, Barcelona
I do suggest you pass by if you visit Barcelona.
This is a traditional dish from Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, that is often served as a tapa or a main course.
It consists of eggs fried in a generous amount of olive oil, topped with baby squid cooked in their own ink, and seasoned with garlic, parsley, and salt.
The contrast between the crispy and tender eggs and the soft and juicy squid is irresistible, and the squid ink adds a rich and intense flavor that makes this dish unique.
The combination of fried eggs and baby squid is a typical dish from Catalonia, a region that has a strong culinary identity and a rich gastronomic heritage.
Catalonia is known for its diverse and creative cuisine, that blends Mediterranean, French, and Arabic influences, and uses local and seasonal products.
Some of the most famous Catalan dishes include, crema catalana, escalivada, and pan con tomate.
Fried eggs with baby squid is a dish that reflects the Catalan love for eggs and seafood, and their skill in using simple ingredients to create complex and satisfying flavors.
Why Fried Eggs with Baby Squid Works:
Fried eggs with baby squid works because it combines taste, texture, and simplicity. Here are some of the reasons why it works:
- The eggs provide a base, that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The eggs are fried in a lot of olive oil, which gives them a golden and crunchy crust, and a moist and tender center.
- The baby squid add a seafood touch and a contrasting texture, that is soft and chewy. The baby squid are cooked in their own ink, which gives them a dark and glossy appearance, and a deep and savory flavor.
- The garlic, parsley, and salt add a simple but effective seasoning, that enhances the flavor and aroma of the dish. These ingredients are also very common in Spanish and Catalan cuisine, and give the dish a traditional and authentic feel.
- The recipe is easy to make, with only a few ingredients and steps. You just need to fry the eggs, cook the baby squid in their own ink, and sprinkle some garlic, parsley, and salt over them. You can also use frozen baby squid, which are already cleaned and ready to use, to save time and effort.
- Baby squid are tender and tasty seafood They also have a unique texture and flavor that contrast with the eggs.
Fried Eggs Tips and Tricks:
- Choose fresh, large, and organic eggs.
- Heat the olive oil in a small and heavy skillet, over medium-high heat, until it is very hot but not smoking. Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet, and to reach halfway up the sides of the eggs. This will ensure that the eggs fry evenly and quickly, and that they develop a crispy and lacy edge.
- Crack one egg at a time into a small bowl or cup, and carefully slide it into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the skillet, and fry one or two eggs at a time, depending on the size of your skillet. This will prevent the eggs from sticking together, and from lowering the temperature of the oil.
- Spoon some of the hot oil over the eggs as they cook, to baste them and to help them set. Do not flip the eggs, as this will ruin their shape and texture. Fry the eggs for no more than one and a half minutes, or until the white is set and the yolk is still runny. You can adjust the cooking time according to your preference, but do not overcook the eggs, as they will become dry and rubbery.
- Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, and drain them on paper towels. Sprinkle some salt over them, and keep them warm while you cook the baby squid.
Baby Squid Tips and Tricks
- Ensure the squid is fresh for optimal taste.
- Rinse and pat dry the baby squid, and cut them into bite-sized pieces if they are too large. Heat some olive oil in a large and heavy skillet, over high heat, and add the baby squid. Stir-fry them for a few minutes, or until they release their ink and turn opaque. Do not overcook them, as they will become tough and chewy.
- Sprinkle some garlic, parsley, and salt over the baby squid, and stir to combine. Cook for another minute, or until the sauce is slightly thickened and reduced. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the fried eggs topped with the baby squid and their sauce, and enjoy with some crusty bread, and aioli.
Fried Egg with Baby Squid
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs
- 5 ounces Baby squid (chipirones)
- 2 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
- 1 Small red chili pepper thinly sliced
- EVOO for frying
- Maldon salt or sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick skillet to medium high heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the pan and heat until shimmering. Fry the eggs. When done, remove to a plate, set aside and keep warm.
- While the oil is still hot, add the garlic and the chili pepper and fry quickly until golden brown. Add the small squids and saute them for about 1 minute or until white in color.
- To serve, add the cooked squid on top of the fried egg and sprinkle with Maldon salt (or sea salt) and black pepper. Garnish with the chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Fried Eggs with Baby Squid Pairs well with:
I guess eggs go with almost anything. The egg yolk and squid, with my sourdough toast, of course, and the chewy squid is a winning combination, I would not have thought of, and the squid cooks faster than the eggs, so the whole dish took me about 6 minutes from start to finish.