How to Cook Squid

When most people think of eating squid, the breaded Italian antipasto calamari comes to mind. Squid actually boasts more versatility and can be used in a variety of recipes ranging from stuffed squid to stew. Read this article to learn various ways to clean, prepare, and cook squid.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Squid
• Sharp knife
• Paper towels
• Plastic cutting board
• Ingredients for breading, stew, stuffing, pasta or rice dishes

Common Ways to Clean and Cut Squid

1. Clean the squid properly before cutting. Hold it under cold running water and gently twist the head out of the body, pulling the body contents out in one motion. Cut the tentacles from the head and discard the head and inside of the body. Remove the thin cartilage from inside the body by pulling on its pointed tip. Peel away the body's outer casing and side fins. Save the fins but discard the casing. Rinse the body's inner cavity.
2. Prepare for a stuffed squid recipe by leaving the body cavity (often called the "mantle") whole. Rinse it thoroughly, drain and pat dry.
3. Cut squid into rings by slicing across the body cavity. The rings should be approximately one-quarter inch. Pat the rings dry.
4. Make squid pieces by laying the body flat and slicing down the center. Spread it open and cut into pieces.

Common Ways to Cook Squid

5. Fry squid pieces like breaded calamari. Roll each piece in flour and seasoning. Pan fry in oil on moderate heat for three to five minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
6. Make squid stew using a favorite stew recipe but substitute squid for the meat. Cut the squid into pieces and add it to the pot as one of the first ingredients. Cook the stew for at least 30 minutes or the squid will be too tough.
7. Baked a stuffed squid with ingredients of your choice. Fill the body cavity with stuffing and bind it closed with a toothpick. Bake it covered in a moderate oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook at slightly lower temperature for 30 more minutes.
8. Add squid pieces to your favorite pasta and rice dishes just as you would any other meat. For pasta, simmer marinara sauce with the cooked squid and serve over noodles. For rice, sauté the squid with onions, add seasonings and then fry or bake with cooked rice.

Tips & Warnings

• Squid arms can be chopped, minced or left whole and saved for another recipe.
• Squid must be cooked either very briefly (like when frying) or very thoroughly (as in a stew). The squid will be too tough if cooked at any length in between.