How To Defrost and Prepare Frozen Squid

By
Nancy Gaifyllia
Nancy Gaifyllia
A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties.
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Updated on 09/11/20
Bowl of baby squid appetizer

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Frozen squid is a great choice even when fresh is available. Freezing and thawing help break down some of the tough muscle fibers making the squid more tender.

Frozen squid is sold as tubes (cleaned bodies) and tentacles or already cut into rings for frying or other recipes calling for rings. Follow these easy steps for defrosting and preparing the squid for cooking.

How to Do It

  1. Defrost squid overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water (about 1 1/2 hours per pound of squid).
  2. If the squid needs to be cleaned, follow the steps in how to clean squid.
  3. If the squid has been cleaned, after thawing, run it under cold running water and run your hands around the rings, tubes, and tentacles to make sure no small pieces of sand or other debris remain.
  4. Set aside and drain.
  5. If not using immediately, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Once thawed, use within 3 days.

Tips

  • Small frozen squid is generally more economical to buy whole in 5-pound boxes.
  • To divide, partially defrost just until the squid can be removed.
  • Place it in freezer bags in smaller quantities and refreeze. In general, about 8 small squids with tentacles = 1 pound.​