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How to Cook Squid: A Guide

 

The Team

by The Team

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How to Cook Squid
Squid grows on you: Every food serving contributes to your seafood palate

If you’re a seafood lover and often find yourself craving molluscs, it might be high time you learned how to cook squid. In this comprehensive guide we’ll show you the different ways to cook your favourite seafood, from fried calamari to pepper squid. We’ll also share some delicious recipes that are sure to get your mouth watering.

Preparing and Cleaning Squid

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to know how to prepare squid properly. However, you can make your experience easier by purchasing cleaned squid. But if you want to get more hands-on with uncleaned squid preparation, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Gently grasp the head and tentacles, pulling these (and the entrails) out from the tube of the squid’s body. (Be careful not to puncture the ink sac.)
  2. Separate the tentacles from the head by cutting just below the head (discarding the head, beak and entrails).
  3. Pull out the quill (a transparent, plastic-like spine) and discard it.
  4. Pinching the pink–purple skin on the squid tube, gently peel this away.
  5. Rinse the squid tubes and tentacles under cold, running water.

Now that you have prepared your fresh squid, let’s explore some delicious ways to cook it!

Cleaned-squid-tubes
Cleaned squid tubes are ready for cooking once you get them from online seafood marketplaces like Manettas.

Fried Calamari

A popular dish worldwide, fried calamari is a crowd-pleasing appetiser. You can also try gluten-free fried squid for a more kid-friendly option. Here’s an easy recipe that uses a simple flour mixture:

Ingredients:

  • 500g cleaned squid, cut into rings
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper and smoked paprika.
  2. Toss the squid rings in the flour mixture until they’re well-coated.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan (over high heat).
  4. Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked squid from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
  6. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or tomato sauce.

cleaned premium Southern calamari
Fried, steamed or grilled, these cleaned premium Southern calamari will fit right in.

Pepper Squid

Pepper squid is a flavoursome dish that pairs well with rice or salad. Here’s a salt and pepper squid recipe that’s sure to become a favourite:

Ingredients:

  • 500g cleaned squid cut into rings, and tentacles
  • ½ cup cornflour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • Olive oil, for frying
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 long red chilli, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the cornflour, salt, pepper and Chinese five-spice powder.
  1. Toss the squid pieces in the flour mixture until they’re well-coated.
  2. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
  3. Fry the coated squid in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and cooked. Remove from the pan and set it aside.
  4. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then add the garlic and chilli. Cook everything for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
  5. Return the cooked squid to the pan and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Squid tentacles
Squid tentacles in your refrigerator means pepper squid for the family.

Slow-Cooked Squid

For a tender and delicious meal, try slow-cooking your squid in a flavourful tomato sauce. Trust us when we say that not many seafood dishes are as great over pasta, rice or crusty bread.

Ingredients:

  • 500g cleaned squid, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup fish or vegetable stock
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large, heavy-based frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes or until softened.
  2. Mix in the garlic and smoked paprika and take another minute to cook.
  3. Stir in the squid pieces, ensuring they’re coated with the onion and garlic mixture.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, white wine and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1–1.5 hours or until the squid is tender. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve the slow cooked squid over pasta, rice or with crusty bread, garnished with chopped parsley.

cleaned calamari
Raw, frozen and expertly cut, these cleaned calamari are ready for some slow-cookin’ goodness.

Grilled Squid

For a healthy and tasty seafood dish, try grilling your fresh squid with a simple soy sauce and garlic marinade.

Ingredients:

  • 500g cleaned whole squid or cut into pieces
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic and lemon juice.
  2. Add the squid to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Then, let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your grill or barbecue to high heat. Remove the squid from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
  4. Cook the squid on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked quickly and has nice grill marks.
  5. Serve the grilled squid with a side of your choice, such as a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

loligo squids
These loligo squids are good for grilling, and with their elongated appearance, they’re even better for stuffed dishes.

Squid: Nutrition Information

Incorporating squid into your daily diet not only contributes delicious flavour and variety but also offers some great nutritional benefits. Squid, like many types of seafood, is a good source of protein, Vitamin B12 and minerals like zinc and copper. Furthermore, it’s low in calories and saturated fat, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a healthier diet.

Tips for Cooking Squid

Here are some handy tips to ensure your squid dishes turn out perfectly every time:

  • Squid can be cooked quickly (like in fried calamari) or slow-cooked (like in a tomato sauce). Avoid overcooking it when using high heat, as this can result in tough, rubbery squid.
  • If you’re using frozen squid, be sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • When preparing squid, always use a sharp knife to make clean cuts, ensuring even cooking.
  • Don’t be afraid to get creative with your squid dishes! Experiment with different spices, sauces and dressings to make each dish unique.

baby calamari
Cook calamari the way you want them with these baby calamari from Boston Bay, available at Manettas.

Conclusion

We’ve navigated through an ocean of tempting recipes, from the universally adored fried calamari to the delectably tender slow-cooked squid, showcasing the incredible versatility of this seafood delight.

Ready to dive in and explore squid’s culinary potential in your own kitchen? Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to add an exciting new chapter to your gastronomic journey, squid brings versatility, health benefits, and most importantly, an amazing taste experience.

Manettas is your reliable partner on this journey, ensuring you have access to ocean-fresh squid right at your fingertips. Here’s to your next mouth-watering squid dish!

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