Buying fresh squid—or its culinary counterpart, —is an art that transforms a potentially rubbery ingredient into a delicate, sweet, and oceanic delicacy. Whether you are aiming for crispy fried rings or a subtle, tender sauté, the quality of your dish is determined at the market counter. Purchasing squid requires engaging your senses—sight, smell, and touch—to ensure you bring home a product that is fresh, properly handled, and ideal for your intended dish.
Ask your fishmonger when the squid arrived to ensure maximum freshness.
These are generally the most tender and sweet, perfect for frying or quick sautéing. how to buy squid
Similar to whole fish, the eyes are a primary indicator of freshness. They should be clear, bright, and bulging. Cloudy, sunken, or dull eyes are telltale signs of old, deteriorated stock.
Buy from trusted fishmongers, specifically those with a high turnover of seafood, ensuring they haven't been thawed multiple times. Buying fresh squid—or its culinary counterpart, —is an
If fresh squid is unavailable, frozen, properly handled squid is often better than "fresh" squid that has been sitting too long, as it is often frozen immediately after being caught.
Fresh squid has a very mild aroma that smells of the sea or brine. It should never smell pungent, fishy, or like ammonia, as that indicates decay. Ask your fishmonger when the squid arrived to
Squid comes in various sizes, with the best culinary results often coming from small to medium-sized specimens.