Cleaning squid might look intimidating at first, but it's actually very simple once you know what to do. It only takes a few minutes and a few basic steps.
In this guide, I'll show you how to clean squid step by step. You'll remove the innards, the beak, and the clear cartilage inside the body so the squid is ready to cook.
Once cleaned, squid can be sliced for fried calamari, stir-fries, soups, or Filipino dishes like adobong pusit.
Jump to:
What You'll Need
You only need a few basic things to clean squid at home.
- Whole squid: Fresh or thawed squid both work. Cleaning them yourself is usually cheaper than buying pre-cleaned squid.
- A sharp knife: This helps you remove the beak and separate the tentacles cleanly.
- Cutting board: Use a sturdy cutting board, preferably one you use for seafood.
- Strainer and small bowl (optional): Use these if you want to collect the squid ink.
How to Clean Squid (Step-by-Step)
Cleaning squid is simple once you know which parts to remove. Follow these steps to prepare whole squid before cooking.
Step 1: Separate the head from the body
Hold the body in one hand and the head just above the eyes with the other.
Gently pull them apart while twisting slightly. The head and innards should come out together.
Step 2: Remove the ink sac (optional)
If you want to save the ink, carefully find the small dark sac attached to the innards.
Remove it gently and place it in a bowl with a little water or vinegar.
If you don't need the ink, you can discard it along with the innards.
Step 3: Remove the beak
Squeeze the center of the tentacles until the beak comes out. It's a small hard piece in the middle.
Pull it out with your fingers or cut it away with a knife.
Step 4: Cut the tentacles
Cut the tentacles just below the eyes so they stay attached together. Discard the head and the innards.
For very small squid, you can keep the head and eyes attached to the tentacles so they stay intact - just remove the beak and innards.
Step 5: Remove the cuttlebone
Pull out the long, clear strip inside the body. This is the cuttlebone, a thin piece of cartilage.
If it breaks, reach inside the body and push the rest of it out through the opening.
Step 6: Empty the body
Remove anything left inside the body. You can gently squeeze it out or use your fingers to pull it out.
Step 7: Remove the skin (optional)
The thin purple skin on the outside is edible, but you can peel it off if you want a cleaner look. Use your fingers to gently pull it away from the body.
Step 8: Remove the fins (optional)
You can pull the fins away from the body if you want to separate them. They are edible and can be cooked along with the rest of the squid.
Step 9: Rinse the squid
Rinse the squid bodies and tentacles well under cold running water to remove any remaining debris.
How to Store Cleaned Squid
Because seafood spoils quickly, it's best to keep squid very cold until you're ready to cook it.
- Refrigerator: Place the cleaned squid in an airtight container and store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the squid in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
No. The skin is edible. Many people remove it because it gives the squid a cleaner look, especially for dishes like calamari.
Sometimes. Many frozen squid are already cleaned and cut into rings. If you buy whole frozen squid, you will still need to clean it the same way.
No. The innards, beak, and cuttlebone should be removed before cooking. Cleaning the squid also removes anything left inside the body.
The clear strip is called the cuttlebone. It's a thin piece of cartilage inside the body that needs to be removed before cooking.
More Cooking Basics You May Like
Did you find this helpful? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!
Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!
📖 Recipe
How to Clean Squid (Step-by-Step Guide)
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Strainer and small bowl (optional, for squid ink)
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole squid
Instructions
- Separate the head from the body: Hold the body in one hand and the head just above the eyes with the other. Gently pull them apart while twisting slightly.
- Remove the ink sac (optional): If you want to save the ink, carefully remove the small dark sac attached to the innards and place it in a bowl.
- Remove the beak: Squeeze the center of the tentacles until the beak comes out. Pull it out with your fingers or cut it away with a knife.
- Cut the tentacles: Cut the tentacles just below the eyes so they stay attached together. Discard the head and innards.
- Remove the cuttlebone: Pull out the long clear strip inside the body. This is the cuttlebone, a thin piece of cartilage.
- Empty the body: Remove anything left inside the body by gently squeezing it or using your fingers.
- Remove the skin (optional): Peel away the thin purple skin from the body if you prefer a cleaner look.
- Remove the fins (optional): Pull the fins away from the body if you want to separate them.
- Rinse the squid: Rinse the bodies and tentacles well under cold running water.
Brian says
That looks easy enough. Maybe ill try that.
Nora Reyes says
Hi Brian, Definitely give it a go! Cleaning squid might seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty straightforward. If you have any questions during the process, don't hesitate to reach out. Enjoy! 😊