Whenever I make Goan squid masala or squid chilli fry, the first thing I do is clean the squid. Before you start cooking, it is important to clean the whole squid properly. Don't worry, it is easy once you know how.
In this post, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of cleaning a whole baby squid. I have also added a short video so you can see exactly how it is done. After learning this, you will stop buying pre-cleaned squid.
If you enjoy seafood, you might also like my guide on how to clean prawns. Try these popular seafood next - Prawn biryani, Prawn ghee roast, or Goan fish curry.
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What You'll Need
- Fresh squid
- A sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl of water
- Kitchen tissue or towel
Before you start
I always keep a bowl handy to collect the waste parts. If you are cleaning squid for the first time, don't rush. Once you do one or two, it becomes very easy.
How to clean squid at home
Step 1: I start by rinsing fresh squids with water 2-3 times to remove any sand or smell (images 1, 2, 3, and 4).
Step 2: Pull out the head and tentacles - Hold the squid's body with one hand and the tentacles with the other. Gently pull the tentacles away from the body (images 5 and 6). The head and inner parts will come out along with it.
Step 3: Remove the clear bone - Inside the body, you will find a thin, transparent strip (images 7 and 8). It looks and feels like plastic. Pull it out carefully and throw it. With your fingers, take out any leftover bits (image 9). Discard them.
Step 4: Remove the flaps - On both sides of the squid body, you will see two small flaps. Pull them off slowly (images 10, 11, and 12). You will see the skin start to come off.
Step 5: Peel off the skin. The skin is thin and purplish. It is edible, but removing it makes the squid look clean and white. Just use your fingers to peel it off (images 13, 14, and 15). It will come away easily once you start.
Step 6: Clean the squid tube. Check inside the squid body tube. If you see any leftover parts, remove them with your fingers. Rinse the tube well under cold water (images 16, 17, and 18). Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or tissue.
Step 7: Remove the head. Place the tentacles on your cutting board. Cut just below the eyes to separate the tentacles from the head (images 19 and 20). Keep the tentacles. Throw away the rest.
Step 8: Remove the beak. Look at the centre of the tentacles (image 21). You will feel a small, hard, round piece (image 22). This is the beak. Press it gently from behind, and it will pop out easily (image 23). Discard it. Rinse it with water.
Now the squid is cleaned and ready to cook.
Make squid chilli fry or squid masala. After cleaning the squid, you have to cut it into rings to make any of the above squid recipes. Here's how you can do it.
Once cleaned, use them immediately or store them in the freezer for later use. Transfer cleaned squids to an airtight container and freeze. It stays good for a month. Thaw them and use.
Expert Tips
- Always use fresh squid. It should smell like the sea, not fishy.
- The skin is edible, so if a few bits remain here and there after cleaning, it's okay.
- After cleaning, pat dry before cooking. It helps the squid fry or grill better.
- If you are not cooking right away, store cleaned squid in an airtight container or zip-lock bags in the freezer for a month.
Squid cleaning FAQs
Squids have a small ink sac near the intestines, which they use for defence just like an octopus. The black liquid you see while cleaning is this ink, and it is completely safe for consumption. Most people rinse it off, though some cuisines use it to add rich flavour and colour to dishes like pasta, risotto, and sauces.
When buying fresh squid, look for ones with clear eyes and shiny skin. They should look moist, not dry. The flesh should be firm and slightly slippery, not mushy. Avoid squid that smells too fishy. It should smell clean, like the sea. If you are buying frozen, make sure it is solidly frozen with no ice crystals or freezer burn.
How to clean squid
Equipment
- 1 Scissor or a sharp knife
Ingredients
- 500 grams squid
Instructions
- Rinse fresh squids with water 2-3 times.
- Pull out the head and tentacles - Hold the squid's body with one hand and the tentacles with the other. Gently pull the tentacles away from the body. The head and inner parts will come out along with it.
- Remove the clear bone - Inside the body, you will find a thin, transparent strip. It looks and feels like plastic. Pull it out carefully and discard it. With your fingers, take out any leftover bits.
- Remove the flaps - On both sides of the squid's body, you will see two small flaps. Pull them off slowly. You will see the skin start to come off.
- Peel off the skin - The skin is thin and purplish. It is edible, but removing it makes the squid look clean and white. Just use your fingers to peel it off. It will come away easily once you start.
- Rinse the tube - Check inside the body tube. If you see any leftover parts, remove them with your fingers. Rinse the tube well under cold water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or tissue.
- Remove the head. Place the tentacles on your cutting board. Cut just below the eyes to separate the tentacles from the head. Keep the tentacles, they taste delicious when cooked. Throw away the rest.
- Remove the beak. Look at the center of the tentacles. You will feel a small, hard, round piece. This is the beak. Press it gently from behind, and it will pop out easily. Discard it. rinse the tentacles.
Video
Notes
- Always use fresh squid. It should smell like the sea, not fishy.
- The skin is edible, so if a few bits remain here and there after cleaning, it's okay.
- After cleaning, pat dry before cooking. It helps the squid fry or grill better.
- If you are not cooking right away, store cleaned squid in an airtight container or zip-lock bags in the freezer for a month.
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