Cooking squid can be daunting at first, but preparing a whole squid isn’t actually very difficult, and you can always find prepared squid if you’re not so keen on preparing the squid yourself.
Squid is very versatile and can be cooked in many ways, depending on your recipe or how you prefer to eat. Just make sure not to overcook it, as that’s when it gets tough and rubbery!
How to deep-fry squid
Fried squid is delicious! Thinly slice your squid tubes and coat them in flour, panko or any mix you’d like to make crispy squid. If you don’t have a deep-fryer, just heat a container deep enough filled with oil and cook the rings by batches. You only need a couple of minutes per batch. Pat dry and enjoy!
How to boil squid
Yes, you can cook squid by boiling it! Blanch your sliced squid tubes and tentacles in boiling water for one minute before cooling it in icy water before adding it to cold dishes, like salads. Squid is also great in soups and stews and simply needs to be cooked for a couple of minutes in the soup or broth of your choice.
How to pan-sear squid
A super easy way to get your squid on the table. Just heat a pan with a little bit of oil and seasoning of your choice on a high heat and sear your squid for one of two minutes. The flesh will be opaque white and shiny when cooked. This a great way to cook squid and add it to pasta or any hot dish!
How to bake squid
There are many ways to cook squid in the oven. One way is to prepare squid rings as if you wanted to deep-fry them but bake them in the oven until crispy, about 15-20 minutes. You can also toss the squid with olive oil and seasoning of your choice and cover in foil and bake for 20 minutes. A delicious and healthy way to enjoy squid!
How to make squid ceviche
If you fancy something a bit different, try “cooking” your squid in lemon juice. Simply prepare a marinade with lemon juice and seasoning of your choice and put the squid in the mix to marinade for about 15 minutes, so flavours can develop. This is great to eat by itself or serve alongside fresh salad.
How to slow-cook squid
If you have a bit more time on your hands, try slow cooking your squid! This is especially good for soups and stews. Simply prepare your dish and add the squid it, then let simmer for a few hours on a very low heat, until the squid is tender. Even easier if you have a slow cooker!
