How to Clean Squid

The idea of preparing squid may turn some people off--it has tentacles and is squishy and chewy. It may be hard to know where to begin. Cleaning and prepping squid takes less effort and time when you follow a few simple instructions. This article provides just those instructions–-follow them and before you know it you will have clean squid ready to use in any delicious recipe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sharp knife
• Paper towels
• Plastic cutting board

Clean the Squid

1. Thaw the squid if you purchased it frozen. Cut away the tentacles and set them aside.
2. Firmly hold the squid under water with one hand. With the other hand, grip the head and pull while twisting it side to side. The head and contents of the body will soon slide out in one piece; throw them away.
3. Grasp the pointed tip of the thin cartilage layer inside the body, draw it out and discard it. Shed the body's outer casing and side fins. Keep the fins but dispose of the casing. Clean the squid by rinsing out the inner cavity of the body.

Prepare the Squid for Cooking

4. Chop or mince the squid arms for immediate use or save them whole for another recipe.
5. Leave the body cavity (often called the "mantle") whole for stuffed squid. Rinse it thoroughly, drain and pat dry.
6. Slice across the body cavity to cut it into rings approximately one-quarter inch thick. Pat them dry before cooking.
7. Cut the clean squid into pieces by laying the body flat and slicing down the center. Spread the flaps open and cut into bite-size pieces.