Squid

What Is Squid?

Squid is a long-bodied, ten-armed marine mollusk in the class Cephalopoda. European squid (Loligo vulgaris), commonly caught in the Aegean and Mediterranean, is among the most widely consumed species.

Its flesh is white, mildly sweet, and elastic in texture; it is highly sensitive to cooking time, so it requires care in the kitchen.

Squid Nutrition Facts

One hundred grams of raw squid contains about 92 kcal of energy and around 16 g of protein; it is low in fat. Its cholesterol content is relatively high, but its saturated fat content is low. It is a good source of vitamin B12 and selenium.

What Are the Benefits of Squid?

With its low fat and high protein content, squid is a seafood often chosen as part of a balanced diet.

This is general information; squid is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. People with a mollusk allergy are advised to be cautious.

How to Choose Squid

Fresh squid should have shiny, white-to-pink flesh and, if the skin is present, brownish-purple spots that are firmly attached.

• It should smell mildly of the sea, not strongly of ammonia.
• The flesh should be elastic when pressed and should not fall apart.
• The eyes should be clear, if the squid is sold with them.

How to Store Squid

Cleaned squid stays fresh in the refrigerator for 1–2 days; it can be stored for 2–3 months in the freezer if tightly wrapped.

Using Squid in the Kitchen

Squid can be cut into rings and fried, stuffed, or slow-cooked in a stew or sauce; cooking time should be short (1–2 min) or long (30+ min), since an intermediate cooking time makes it rubbery.

How to Make Fried Squid

Dredge ring-cut squid in flour and fry it in hot oil for 1–2 minutes, until golden; keep the cooking time short because longer cooking makes it tough.

How to Make Stuffed Squid

Fill the whole body with seasoned rice or a cheese filling and cook it on a grill or in the oven; it is a classic seafood appetizer.

What Recipes Use Squid?

Fried squid, stuffed squid, squid stew, and squid salad are among the most popular recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is squid good for?

Squid is a seafood often chosen as part of a balanced diet because it is low in fat and high in protein and contains vitamin B12 and selenium.

Why does squid become rubbery?

Cooking it for an intermediate time (about 5–15 minutes) toughens its proteins; it should instead be cooked either very briefly (1–2 min) or for a long time (over 30 min).

How long should squid be cooked?

Cook it for 1–2 minutes when quickly pan-frying or grilling, and for over 30 minutes in long-cooked dishes such as stews.

How do you clean squid?

Separate the head and innards, remove the quill-like transparent cartilage (the pen), peel the skin if desired, and rinse the body thoroughly.

Can squid be frozen?

Yes. Cleaned squid retains its quality for 2–3 months when tightly wrapped and frozen.