Tube squid is a popular choice among many housewives due to its unique flavor and versatility in various dishes. To learn more about tube squid and discover tips for selecting fresh ones, keep reading!
1. Identifying tube squid
Tube squid can be identified by its black ink sac, which is located at the part where the tail starts from the middle of the body and extends down to the end of the diamond-shaped body. This sac serves to protect the squid from potential attacks by enemies.
In addition, tube squid features a long, cylindrical body with eight small tentacles and two long feeding tentacles. Its skin is adorned with pink spots and it has large transparent eyes.
2. Tips for selecting fresh and delicious tube squid
Color:
When choosing fresh tube squid, look for dark brown skin in the case of brown squid and shiny, non-cloudy white skin in the case of white squid.
Firmness:
To assess the freshness, gently press the squid’s meat. If it quickly returns to its original state once you release your hand, it indicates freshness. However, if the meat feels soft and lacks elasticity, it signifies that the squid is not fresh.
Eye color:
Fresh squid will have bright, clear eyes. You should be able to see the eyes clearly from the inside. Dull and cloudy eyes indicate poor squid quality.
Check tentacles:
This dish not only boasts a delightful color but also offers a crispy texture, tender meat, and a sweet and sour taste thanks to the tamarind sauce. Serving stuffed tube squid with tamarind sauce is an excellent option when hosting guests at home.
Stir-fried tube squid with garlic:
This dish showcases tender and sweet squid pieces, stir-fried with the aroma of garlic and celery, creating a unique flavor. It’s a simple dish that can be prepared in a few steps to impress your family.
Grilled tube squid:
This easy-to-make dish is enjoyed by many. Simply clean the fresh tube squid and grill it until it becomes eye-catching with an enticing aroma. Dip a piece of grilled squid in chili sauce or ginger fish sauce for an unbeatable taste.
Steamed tube squid:
Steaming the squid helps preserve its original taste and offers a crispy texture. You can decorate steamed squid in various ways to enjoy with your family or serve at parties.