Why You Should be Cooking With Squid — Real Food Explored

Cephalopods like octopuses, cuttlefish, and squid are such cool creatures. Their incredibly high intelligence coupled with the ability to instantly change the color of their skin by modulating groups of cells called chromatophores make them some of the most mysterious denizens of the deep. One thing that is no mystery, however, is that they are absolutely delicious. Cooking squid is a great way to improve the nutrient density of your diet and your repertoire of seafood recipes.

I think squid is one of the most underrated seafood ingredients. Although squid are widely consumed in Mediterranean countries and East Asia, Americans never fully caught on. In fact, when I was a kid, I would have only thought of using squid as fishing bait. But when cooked properly, squid can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet!

Common methods of cooking squid

Cooking squid is not difficult but does require some strategy. Many chefs suggest that squid should be cooked very quickly over high heat or very slowly over low heat and that landing anywhere between these two extremes will turn your squid into rubber.

If you go the quick, high heat route, whole squid works well. After cleaning the squid, you can skewer together the tentacles and the tail tube to…