How to Clean and Prepare a Squid to Make Calamari

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Lay squid on a sheet of newspaper.

   You will see the head, where the eyes and tentacles are, is distinctly separate from the body, or mantle .
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   Step 2: Put on rubber or latex gloves.

   These are not necessary for safely handling squid, but will keep squid residue from getting on your hands and imparting a "fishy" smell. , Pull gently and steadily forward, keeping a firm grasp on the head.
   
   The internal organs should slide out. , Feel for a hard, fingernail like sheathing; grab this and pull it out. , The speckles on the squid should peel off in a cellophane-like sheet, leaving behind slick white meat. , Set aside. ,
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   Step 3: Grasp the squid's head right behind the eyes where it joins the mantle.

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   Step 4: Reach into the mantle

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   Step 5: which now resembles an empty sack.

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   Step 6: Gently scrape the outer surface of the mantle with a sharp knife.

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   Step 7: Cut the mantle into rings by slicing vertical to the line of the squid's back.

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   Step 8: Fold the newspaper around the unwanted squid parts

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   Step 9: and dispose.

Detailed Guide

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