How to clean squid
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.
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.