How to Clean a Whole Squid: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kelolalaut.com Squid is a delicious and versatile seafood, popular in cuisines worldwide. While you can buy pre-cleaned squid, purchasing whole squid is often more cost-effective and ensures freshness. Cleaning squid may seem intimidating at first, but with the right technique, it is a simple process. Follow this step-by-step guide to clean a whole squid efficiently.

What You Need:

• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• A bowl of water
• Paper towels

Step 1: Separate the Head from the Body

Start by placing the squid on a clean cutting board. Grasp the body (mantle) firmly with one hand and the head with the other. Gently pull the head away from the body. The internal organs should come out along with the head. If the innards remain inside, use your fingers to remove them from the mantle.

Step 2: Remove the Ink Sac

The ink sac is a small, silvery pouch found among the internal organs. If you want to save the ink for cooking, carefully extract it and store it in a small dish. Otherwise, discard it along with the rest of the innards.

Step 3: Detach the Tentacles and Remove the Beak

Locate the beak in the center of the tentacles. Squeeze the base of the tentacles to push the beak out, then remove and discard it. Next, use a sharp knife to cut just below the eyes, separating the tentacles from the head. The tentacles are edible and can be used in cooking.

Step 4: Remove the Cartilage

Inside the mantle, you will find a long, transparent, plastic-like structure called the quill or pen. Grab one end and gently pull it out. Discard the quill.

Step 5: Peel Off the Skin

The squid’s outer skin is thin and purplish-brown. While it's edible, many prefer to remove it for a cleaner appearance. To do this, grasp the skin at one end and peel it away from the body. If it’s slippery, use a paper towel for better grip.

Step 6: Rinse the Squid

Thoroughly rinse the mantle and tentacles under cold running water to remove any remaining residue. Ensure the inner cavity of the mantle is clean.

Step 7: Slice or Leave Whole

Depending on your recipe, you can leave the squid whole or slice it into rings. For rings, simply cut the mantle crosswise into even slices. The tentacles can be left whole or cut into smaller pieces.

Cooking and Storage Tips

• Storage: If not using immediately, store the cleaned squid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for later use.
• Cooking: Squid can be grilled, fried, sautéed, or stewed. It cooks quickly, so be mindful not to overcook it, as this can make it tough and rubbery.

Cleaning squid may require a little practice, but it’s a straightforward process once you get the hang of it. Mastering this skill allows you to enjoy fresh squid at home, whether you’re making calamari, squid ink pasta, or a seafood stew.

If youre interested in our Squid Whole Round , Squid Whole Cleaned , Squid Tube , Squid Ring and Squid Flower Cut please do not hesitate to contact us through email and/or whatsapp