Authentic Thai Recipe for
Steamed Calamari with Garlic and Lime Salsa
Authentic Thai Recipe for
Steamed Calamari with Garlic and Lime Salsa
ปลาหมึกนึ่งมะนาว (Pla Muek Neung Manao)
Currently rated: 
Rated 4.5 Stars from 3749 reader reviews
First published on August 15, 2015
Recipe by W. Tipsuwan
Yield: 4 - 8 servings
Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cooking time: 10 Minutes
Ready in: 30 Minutes
Ingredient List:
For the Steamed Calamari
- 4 - 6 Squid
- 2 tablespoons fresh Lime juice
For the Garlic and Lime Salsa
- 1/4 cup fresh Lime juice
- 3 tablespoons Garlic
- 3 - 4 Thai Hot Chilies
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce
- 1/4 cup Coriander / Cilantro Leaves
About my Pla Muek Neung Manao:
About my Pla Muek Neung Manao:
In Thailand we eat a lot of Calamari. We call it Plah Meuk, and you'll see it everywhere: barbecued, in soups, stir-fries, and salads. Here we steam these lovely whole calamari and serve them with a delicious dipping sauce made with lots of fresh garlic, chilies, cilantro, lime juice, and coconut sugar. This type of fresh sauce is quite common in Thailand, and we usually serve it with fish. Most people here refer to it as simply "seafood dipping sauce", and there are many different ways to make it. What makes this recipe for Nam Jim Seafood different than others you might have seen, is that the ingredients are not cooked. It has a strong bite of fresh garlic, but that is balanced out nicely in a delicious Thai combination of spicy red chilies, sour lime juice, sweet coconut sugar, and salty fish sauce flavors. This recipe is a "must have" in the Thai Food section of your recipe file.
Step by Step Directions:
Step by Step Directions:
How to Make Pla Muek Neung Manao
How to Make Pla Muek Neung Manao
Step 1
If not already done, clean out the intestines from your calamari and thoroughly wash them. Let them drip dry or use a paper towel to absorb all the remaining water so they are fairly dry. Put them in a mixing bowl with the two tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice. Mix it up well and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2
Put the coconut sugar in a small microwavable bowl and add 1 tablespoon of water. Heat in your microwave for just a few seconds, but long enough to get hot. Do not boil it.
Step 3
Stir it up well until you get a smooth syrup.
Step 4
Squeeze enough limes to get 1/4 cup of juice.
Step 5
Cut the cilantro leaves carefully with a sharp knife into 1/2 inch pieces. Do not chop the cilantro.
Step 6
Peel and chop enough garlic so you have about 3 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic.
Step 7
Slice the hot chilies very thin, but do not chop them.
Step 8
Stir the sugar syrup, fish sauce, and lime juice together well.
Step 9
Add the garlic and chilies, stir them in well.
Step 10
Let it sit for about 15 minutes or more. Do not add the cilantro until just before serving.
Step 11
Heat the water in your steamer until boiling, then lay all the calamari in. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes.
Step 12
When they are cooking the calamari will puff up and become firm. The outer skin will crack open. Turn them over and around at least once or twice so they cook evenly. Do not overcook them. Remove from the steam and place them in a bowl of cold water. This dish is served at room temperature.
Step 13
Add the cilantro leaves to the garlic salsa and stir in gently.
Step 14
Garnish with a sprig or two of fresh cilantro.
Step 15
Slice the calamari across the body into 1/2 inch rings, and arrange them on a plate with the heads.
Step 16
Serve with satay sticks for eating, with the dipping salsa close by.
Watch the Complete Video Lesson:
