How to Clean Whole Squid
Working with whole squid is straightforward once you understand the anatomy. Most of the process is tactile, relying on firm pulls and rinsing to prep the creature for the pan.
Cold hands and a sharp eye
Keep your workspace clear and your sink ready for frequent rinsing. The ink can stain, so work on a surface you can wipe down easily.
- sharp paring knife
- cutting board
- bowl of cold water
What goes in.
- 2 lbwhole fresh squid, cleaned eyes and ink intact
Removing the viscera
Grasp the tentacles firmly and pull straight back from the mantle; the internal organs will slide out attached to the head, leaving the tube clear.
The method.
Separate the head from the mantle
Firmly hold the body in one hand and the tentacles in the other. Pull steadily. Most of the internal organs will come out in one go.
Remove the quill
Feel inside the mantle tube for the long, transparent, plastic-like strip of cartilage. Pinch it and pull it out carefully so it does not snap.
Clear the tube
Turn the mantle inside out under cold running water to flush out any remaining ink or debris. Peel away the thin, speckled outer skin with your thumb.
Process the head
Cut just below the eyes to detach the tentacles. Squeeze the beak—the hard, black, marble-like object—out from the center of the tentacles and discard it.
Final rinse
Give the tentacles and the cleaned mantle a final cold water rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
When it doesn't go to plan.
If the ink sac breaks, don't panic; just rinse the mantle thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Use a paper towel to grip the slimy outer skin, as it will give you better traction than your bare fingers.
Keep the cleaned squid on ice if you aren't cooking it immediately.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I eat the fins?
Yes, the fins attached to the mantle are edible and cook exactly the same way as the tube.
How do I know the beak is gone?
Place your finger in the center of the tentacles and push; if you feel a hard, gritty bump, that is the beak.
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