How to clean squid

Name: How to clean squid
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Squid fresh 1.1 lbs

it de fr es br

181

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Energy Kcal 181
Carbohydrates g 1.8
of which sugars g 1.8
Protein g 35
Fats g 3.8
of which saturated fat g 1.08
Cholesterol mg 160
Sodium mg 243

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 20 min
Serving: 4

PRESENTATION

When you think about Italian coastal cuisine, totani really stand out. These little guys are like squid, but with their own twist. They've got a delicate texture, a pinkish hue, and those cool yellowish stripes—pretty unique, right? Found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, totani are super popular in places like Naples and Sicily. And here's the thing: knowing how to clean squid—or totani—can open up a world of culinary possibilities. Seriously, you can toss them into a savory pasta dish or stuff them with breadcrumbs and herbs. The art of preparing these tender mollusks is a game-changer. A solid squid cleaning guide can really help you make the most out of this versatile ingredient before diving into your favorite recipe.

For seafood lovers, the moist flesh of totani is honestly a delight, and once you master the cleaning process, the options are endless. It’s not just about the technique—it's about keeping that sweet flavor and tender bite that make Mediterranean dishes so so good. Whether you want a simple fry or a fully stuffed totano, cleaning squid at home means you control the freshness. And look, that makes a huge difference in the final dish. A reliable squid cleaning tutorial gives you all the tips you need, so you can easily go from prepping totani to crafting a meal that feels like it came straight from the Amalfi Coast.

These golden rings and strips? A surefire hit in appetizers, pasta sauces, or main courses when you start with a well-cleaned squid. Once you’ve nailed the cleaning, preparing squid at home isn’t daunting anymore. It opens the door to lots of tasty Mediterranean ideas for your kitchen. Show the rich tradition of Italian cooking by exploring the versatility of totani and enjoy the fresh flavors of the sea in every bite. Pretty much irresistible.

INGREDIENTS: Squid 1.1 lbs (500 g) - fresh

How to Clean Squid

To clean the squid, start by rinsing your mollusks thoroughly under a generous stream of cold water, then place them on your work surface to proceed with cleaning 1. Then take the head with two fingers and gently separate it from the mantle 2 and set it aside. Inside the mantle, take the pen, which is the small transparent cartilage rod, and remove it 3.

Next, extract the squid's innards 4 and rinse it. At this point, take the fish's head again. Hold it steady with two fingertips and, using a knife, cut around the eyes with a knife 5 and by pressing the lower part of the eyes, remove them. Also, locate the beak found in the center of the tentacles 6 and push it outward.

Using a knife, remove it 7. Finally, cut the mantle with a knife and peel the squid's skin 8. Repeat the operation for the tentacles as well. Rinse all parts of the fish under running water, and the squid will be ready for your preparations 9.

Storage

You can store the cleaned and eviscerated squid in the refrigerator for 1 day, placed on a plate and covered with clear plastic wrap, as described in the instructions.

You can also freeze them if you bought fresh and not previously frozen squid. Even with this preservation method, the squid must be properly cleaned and their internal viscera removed. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags: this way, you can store the squid for about 3 months. Before using them, remember to thaw them the night before by placing them in the refrigerator.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

How to clean squid

PRESENTATION

How to Clean Squid

Storage

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