Step 1: Remove the head and tentacles
Begin by grabbing the squid’s body and pulling the head away from the body. Remove the tentacles by pulling them away from the head. You should be left with the head, tentacles, and the body of the squid.
Step 2: Remove the ink sac and guts
Find the ink sac located on the inside of the squid’s body and gently pull it out, being careful not to burst it. Remove the guts that are attached to the body. This is important as the ink sac can burst if left intact and can ruin the flavor of the squid.
Step 3: Peel the skin
Next, take a sharp knife and slice off the fins located on either side of the body. Then, using your fingers, gently peel off the skin from the body. The skin is thin and transparent, so be careful not to remove too much flesh. Finally, remove the cartilage from the body.
Step 4: Clean the tentacles
Take the tentacles and remove the beak, which is the hard, pointy part in the center. Rinse the tentacles thoroughly with cold running water to remove the sand and any debris stuck on the surface.
Step 5: Rinse and soak
Once you have cleaned the squid, give it a final rinse, and soak it in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help to remove any last bits of debris and sand.
And there you have it! You have successfully cleaned a squid.
Tips for cleaning squid:
– Always use a sharp knife to damaging the flesh of the squid.
– If you are not sure how to remove the beak properly, ask the seafood staff to show you how to do it.
– When cleaning squid, work quickly to prevent the flesh from getting too warm and spoiling.
– Squid can be cooked in many ways, such as grilled, fried, or sautéed, marinated, or battered. Try experimenting with different recipes to see which one best suits your taste.
In conclusion, cleaning squid doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With just a little practice and some guidance, you can master this skill and enjoy delicious, fresh squid any time you like. Remember to work carefully and methodically while cleaning, and always use sharp knives to avoid damaging the flesh. Once you’ve cleaned your squid, you can try out your favorite recipe or get creative and try something new. Enjoy your squid!