What You’ll Need
- Small Squid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Bowl of cold water
- Paper towels
Step 1: Removing the Head
The first step in cleaning small squid is to remove the head. Hold the body of the squid with one hand and gently pull the head away from the body. Discard the head and set aside the body for further cleaning.
Step 2: Removing the Tentacles
Next, separate the tentacles from the body. Feel for the point where the tentacles meet the body and use your fingers to gently pull them apart. Set the tentacles aside for cleaning later.
Step 3: Removing the Innards
Now it’s time to remove the innards from the body of the squid. Place the body on your cutting board, with the open end facing up. Use a sharp knife to make a small incision near the opening. Carefully pull out the innards and discard them.
Step 4: Removing the Skin
To remove the skin from the squid, gently peel it back starting from the open end. Use your fingers or a paper towel to assist you in grasping the skin and pulling it off. Continue peeling until the entire skin is removed.
Step 5: Cleaning the Tentacles
Take the tentacles that you set aside earlier and give them a rinse under cold water. Check for any remaining innards or debris and remove them if necessary. Pat the tentacles dry with a paper towel.
Step 6: Cleaning the Body
Rinse the body of the squid under cold water to remove any remaining innards or debris. Give it a gentle squeeze to ensure there’s no water or debris trapped inside. Pat the body dry with a paper towel.
Step 7: Optional: Removing the Beak
If you desire, you can remove the small beak found at the base of the tentacles. Simply cut it off using a sharp knife.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily clean small calamari and achieve perfectly cleaned squid every time. Whether you’re cooking calamari rings or stuffing the bodies, knowing how to clean small squid is an essential skill for any seafood lover. With practice, you’ll become a pro at cleaning squid and be able to enjoy the freshest calamari dishes from the comfort of your own kitchen.