Brian Jeffrey
Referred to as squid beak or ‘squid teeth’, this part of the squid is notably eye-catching due to its tooth-like shape.
Located at the squid’s head among its tentacles, the squid beak is a round muscle, ivory-white in color, and encased in a thin layer of flesh with two tough shell fragments inside.
In the past, squid beaks were often disregarded during food preparation. However, thanks to the inventiveness of locals in Phan Thiet, they have transformed into a tasty street delicacy.
Thuy Loan, who runs a popular street food stall in Phan Thiet that specializes in squid dishes, mentioned that this culinary innovation stems from the local tradition of utilizing all parts of seafood.
“For many coastal communities, fishing is vital for their livelihoods. To minimize waste, particularly with squid, they began crafting dishes from squid beaks. What started as a simple local snack evolved into a celebrated specialty of Phan Thiet,” Loan shared.
“Depending on the size of the squid beak, local chefs prepare different meals: smaller ones are perfect for curries and pastes; medium ones work well in garlic butter or stir-fries; and larger squid beaks are best fried or grilled until crispy,” she elaborated.
The cleaning process involves removing the inner hard shell and thoroughly rinsing the beaks with fresh water. Some prefer using saltwater or diluted lemon water to eliminate any odors and preserve their natural whiteness and crunchiness.
Once cleaned, the squid beaks can be cooked according to preference. For grilling, they are infused with a mixture of spices, such as lemongrass, garlic, and chili, and marinated for several hours to soak up the flavors before being skewered.
Grilling is done over a low charcoal flame, with the beaks turned frequently for even cooking. The dish is typically accompanied by pickled vegetables, Vietnamese coriander, and a distinctive dipping sauce unique to each vendor.
The tantalizing aroma of the marinade, coupled with the squid beak’s chewy and crispy bite, enriched with spicy notes from chili or satay, creates a memorable dining experience.
