Cleaning Octopus
Octopus is typically sold already cleaned. However, you may need to occasionally remove the viscera, eyes, and beak (sometimes know as the eye). If the octopus you purchase has already been cleaned, simply cut the head away from the legs, and cut into the appropriate size. Baby octopus are typically cooked whole.
- Use the tip of a paring knife to cut around the eye and lift it from the octopus.
- Peel the skin away from the body by pulling firmly.
- Pull the suction cups away from the tentacles. The octopus is now ready to use.
Cleaning Squid
When properly fabricated, squid is tender, sweet, and flavorful. The squid mantle can be cut into rings to saute, pan fry, or deep-fry; or the squid may be left whole to grill or braise, with or without a stuffing. If desired, the ink sac can be saved and used to prepare various dishes, which will turn a dramatic black color.
- Pull the mantle and the tentacles apart under running water. The eye, ink sac, and intestines will come away with the tentacles.
- Pull the transparent quill from the mantle and discard.
- Pull away as much of the skin as possible from the mantle. Discard the skin.
- Cut the tentacles away from the head by making a cut just above the eye. If desired, the ink sac may be reserved. Discard the rest of the head.
- Open the tentacles to expose the beak. Pull it away and discard. The tentacles may be left whole if they are small or cut into pieces if larger.
