The first step in cleaning squid is to remove the or the head. Gently grasp the head, and twist it off using your hands. If you’re unsure, you can use a sharp knife to make a clean cut just below the eyes. Set the tentacles aside for later use, as they are tasty and can be grilled alongside the squid.
Next, you need to remove the ink sac and internal organs from the body of the squid. This should be done carefully to avoid breaking the sac and creating a mess. Hold the body under cold running water and gently push your fingers along the inside to locate the transparent ink sac. Once you find it, gently pull it out and discard.
Now it’s time to peel off the skin or the outer membrane of the squid. Start at the wide end of the squid body and grasp the membrane with your fingers or use a small paring knife to make a small incision. Once you have a grip, peel off the skin in a steady motion towards the narrow end. Rinse the squid under cold water to remove any remaining skin or debris.
After cleaning the squid, you may want to remove the fin which can be tough and chewy when grilled. Look for a small flap near the base of the tentacles and cut it away using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. This step is optional, as some prefer to leave the fin intact.
Now that you have a clean squid, it’s time to prepare it for grilling. You can either leave the squid whole or cut it into smaller pieces such as rings or tubes. To create rings, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices. If you prefer tubes, cut along the length of the squid to open it up and then slice it into 1/2 inch wide pieces.
Once you have cut the squid, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the squid to grill evenly and it from becoming too soggy. You can now season the squid with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices, or simply brush it with olive oil for added flavor.
With the squid cleaned, cut, and seasoned, you’re ready to grill it. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the squid directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s opaque and slightly charred. Avoid overcooking as it can result in rubbery squid.
Once grilled, transfer the squid to a serving platter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over it for a burst of citrusy flavor. Garnish with chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately.
Cleaning squid may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes a simple and rewarding task. By following these steps, you can ensure that your grilled squid will turn out tender, flavorful, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So go ahead, use this guide to make your next grilling adventure a memorable one!