Cleaning squid and octopus can be a messy and challenging task, but with these simple tips, you can do it quickly and effectively, ensuring your seafood dishes taste delicious and look appealing.

The Fastest Way to Clean a Squid

– Rinse the squid under running water. Then, firmly grasp the tentacles and pull them out of the body. Be decisive with your pull to ensure the intestines and ink sac come out intact. However, be cautious, as rupturing the ink sac will turn the squid black and bitter.

If you accidentally rupture the ink sac, quickly rinse the squid under running water to wash away the ink, and then proceed to the next steps.

– Use a sharp knife to cut off the eyes and carefully squeeze out the hard, round beak located in the center of the head.

– Make a shallow cut at the head end of the body to create a groove between the skin and the meat. Then, hold the meat firmly with one hand while gripping the skin with the other, and pull upwards to remove the skin.


Choose fresh squid to ensure the meat remains tender and firm during cooking. Illustration photo

– After removing the intestines, tentacles, and ink sac, continue to peel away the backbone. The backbone is a large, flat piece of cartilage that is white and translucent, so it’s easy to spot.

– Make a longitudinal cut on the body of the squid, lay it flat, and scrape away any remaining internal organs. Finally, rinse the squid thoroughly under running water.

It’s important to select fresh squid to maintain the tenderness and firmness of the meat during cooking, ensuring your dishes are both tasty and attractive.

The Fastest Way to Clean an Octopus

– Rinse the octopus thoroughly with water. If it has been stored in the freezer, thaw it before cleaning. Cut just below the eyes to remove the tentacles and set them aside.

– To remove the internal organs, hold the body of the octopus so that the eyes face the ground. Insert a knife parallel to the ground, sliding it behind the neck, and cut. Then, open up the body cavity and use a knife to remove the internal organs.

– Wash the octopus with salt to eliminate any slimy residue. Next, boil some water with guava leaves, let it cool slightly, and then rinse the octopus in this water to neutralize any fishy odor.

– Crush a small piece of ginger and mix it with the octopus meat to add fragrance. Finally, rinse the octopus with clean water 2-3 times and let it drain.


Not everyone knows how to clean an octopus quickly and effectively. Illustration photo

– Cut the head separately, and then cut it into small rings or leave it whole, depending on the recipe. For the legs, cut them into bite-sized pieces.

With these simple steps, you’ve successfully cleaned the octopus. As with squid, choosing fresh octopus makes the cleaning process easier and results in a more delicious and nutritious dish.

According to “Đời sống pháp luật”

Frequently asked questions

Start by placing the squid or octopus in a large pot of cold water. The water should cover the squid/octopus by at least an inch. Then, bring the water to a rolling boil and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit for another 5 minutes. Finally, rinse the squid/octopus under cold running water to cool it down and tighten the flesh.

This method is quick, easy, and effective. It helps to remove any slimy or fishy odor from the squid or octopus, making it more palatable and easier to work with. The boiling water also tightens the flesh, resulting in a firmer texture that is ideal for grilling or stir-frying.

Yes, it is recommended to remove the skin and ink sac before cooking. The skin can be peeled off easily after boiling, and removing the ink sac will prevent any unwanted discoloration or flavor in your dish.

For squid, you can either cut it into rings or strips. Cutting it into rings is simple – just slice the body into thin rounds. For strips, first slice the body lengthwise, then cut each piece into the desired width. Octopus can be a little tougher to cut, so it’s best to use a sharp knife and aim for thin, even slices.

Cleaned squid or octopus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place it in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the squid/octopus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag.

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