How to Clean Squid Recipe - Step by Step Recipe

How to clean squid calamari - Squid ink sac removal

Squid ink is used by many gourmet chefs to add additional flavor to recipes. If you are lucky enough to find squid ink for sale at a gourmet market, be prepared to pay a premium price. However, if you clean your own squid, you will have it at your fingertips. A little bit goes a long way. A few drops added to the liquid in your recipe will be sufficient to both color and flavor a dish, especially rice and risottos.

The squid ink sac is located in the innards. It looks like a black vein, and it is easily removed with your fingernail. To get to the ink, puncture the ink sac and squeeze it into a tablespoon of water, wine, or other cooking liquid.

Be forearmed when harvesting squid ink. Wear gloves, an apron, and protect porous surfaces such as the cutting board. The ink does stain. It is particularly unsightly when it gets under your fingernails.

Tiny amounts of squid ink are also located behind the eyes.

More about Squid and Calamari:

• Squid Selection and Storage
• Squid and Calamari Cooking Tips and Hints
• How to Clean Squid and Harvest Squid Ink
• What is calamari? FAQ
• Squid and Calamari Recipes
_{Squid and Calamari Photos © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}