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What is Cuttlefish? Is it Poisonous? Delicious Dishes from Cuttlefish.

The awe-inspiring Giant Squid, also known as the Ghost Squid or Ocean Squid, is a true marvel of the deep. With its impressive size and mysterious allure, it's no wonder that this colossal cephalopod is taking street food by storm. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of the Giant Squid, exploring its unique characteristics and discovering delicious ways to prepare this monster of the deep.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

Giant squid are mainly caught in the central coastal provinces of Vietnam, such as Da Nang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai. Due to their large size compared to regular squid, some people are hesitant to consume them.

To learn more about this unique cephalopod and discover delicious recipes, continue reading!

1 What is a Giant Squid?

The giant squid, also known as the devil squid or oceanic squid, is a large cephalopod belonging to the class Cephalopoda within the phylum Mollusca.

Giant squid are predominantly found in the coastal regions of central Vietnam, including Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, and Phu Yen provinces. They are particularly abundant in the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

Giant squid, also known as devil squid or oceanic squid

These squids inhabit depths of 800 meters and are most abundant from mid-December to September of the following year, making this period the peak season for giant squid fishing.

Due to the deep-sea habitat and the need for long-distance fishing trips, giant squid are often stored on ice for several days, which affects the natural sweetness of their meat. Consequently, when consumed, the meat may not taste as sweet and delicious as that of smaller squid species.

Giant squid can weigh up to several kilograms each

There are two main types of giant squid: pot-bellied giant squid and leaf giant squid. The pot-bellied giant squid is smaller than the leaf giant squid. On average, five pot-bellied giant squid weigh one kilogram, while a single leaf giant squid can weigh several kilograms. Currently, the leaf giant squid is more popular than the pot-bellied variety due to its sweeter meat.

Distinguishing features of the giant squid (left) and the leaf squid (right)

It is easy to confuse the giant squid with common squid species like the leaf squid. However, there are distinct differences between the two:

Giant squid: Fanned fins on the tail, darker skin color.
Leaf squid: Fanned fins across the body, reddish-pink skin.

2 Are Giant Squid Poisonous?

Giant squid have thick and large flesh

Giant squid are not poisonous and pose no harm to humans. However, due to the distant fishing grounds and their thick, large flesh, fishermen often freeze them for several days, resulting in a loss of natural tenderness and sweetness.

3 How to Clean Giant Squid to Remove Any Fishy Smell

Separate the head and body of the giant squid

First, detach the tentacles from the body. Then, carefully remove the ink sac, intestines, and white spine.

Note: If the ink sac breaks, rinse the squid thoroughly to eliminate any fishy smell.

Cut off the beak and eyes located in the center of the head

Next, use a knife to cut off the beak and eyes from the center of the head.

Peel off the skin and rinse the squid with water

Make a slight incision at the head end of the body to create a groove between the skin and the meat. Then, hold the meat firmly and peel off the skin thoroughly.

Rinse the squid again with water. You can leave it whole or cut it into pieces before cooking.

4 Delicious Dishes Made with Giant Squid

Since the giant squid loses some of its natural sweetness during the fishing and preservation process, it is best suited for dishes that involve marinating or strong seasoning, such as grilled or fried dishes.

Delicious Grilled Dishes Made with Giant Squid

Giant squid grilled with salt and chili: The chewy squid meat blends perfectly with the spicy and salty flavors of salt and chili, and it goes well with vegetables to enhance the overall taste.

Giant squid grilled with salt and chili, a perfect blend of spicy and salty

Giant squid stuffed with rice and grilled: Each slice of squid contains a layer of sticky rice, creating a sweet and chewy texture. This dish can be enjoyed with soy sauce, fish sauce, or chili sauce for added flavor.

Giant squid stuffed with rice, a delicious and chewy treat

Lemongrass giant squid skewers: The chewy squid, fragrant lemongrass, and well-marinated spices make this dish a perfect choice for family meals.

Lemongrass giant squid skewers, a unique and tasty dish

Note: Due to the thick flesh of the giant squid, it is recommended to marinate it for a longer time than regular squid to ensure that the spices penetrate the meat thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful dish when grilled.

Delicious Fried Dishes Made with Giant Squid

Giant squid fried with crispy batter: This dish has a crunchy exterior and tender squid meat inside. It can be served with chili sauce or fish sauce for a mouthwatering experience.

Giant squid fried with crispy batter, a crunchy delight

Giant squid fried with tamarind: This dish has a crunchy texture and a unique blend of sour and salty flavors, along with the distinctive aroma of tamarind.

Giant squid fried with tamarind, a sour and salty treat

Giant squid fried with fish sauce: The sweetness and chewiness of the squid meat combined with the savory flavor of fish sauce make this dish irresistible and perfect for enjoying with rice.

Giant squid fried with fish sauce, a flavorful and addictive dish

We hope that through this article, you have gained a better understanding of giant squid and are inspired to include it in your meals with these delicious recipes!

Frequently asked questions

Cuttlefish are marine mollusks that belong to the cephalopod family, which also includes squid, octopus, and nautilus. They are known for their unique ability to change color and camouflage with their surroundings.

No, cuttlefish are not poisonous. In fact, they are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world and are used in a variety of dishes.

There are several delicious dishes that can be made from cuttlefish, including grilled cuttlefish, cuttlefish stew, and cuttlefish ink pasta. Cuttlefish can also be fried, baked, or used in salads.

Cuttlefish are a good source of protein and contain important nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for those watching their weight.

You can usually find cuttlefish at your local seafood market or Asian grocery store. You can also purchase it online from specialty retailers.