What Is Cuttlefish? Best Delicious Cuttlefish Recipes Explained

Cuttlefish is not only appealing in family meals, but it is also favored in seafood restaurants thanks to its ability to retain its natural sweetness after preparation. So, what is cuttlefish, how can you choose fresh and delicious cuttlefish, and what are some tasty dishes to make with it? To answer these questions, let’s follow along in the article below!

What is cuttlefish?

Outstanding characteristics of cuttlefish

Cuttlefish, also known as “mực nang” in Vietnamese, is a type of mollusk common in Vietnamese waters, especially abundant in the Central and Southern regions. They are quite large, with an average weight of 1.5 to 3kg per individual. The easiest way to identify cuttlefish is by the hard shell located along the back.

Cuttlefish meat is thick, white, and firm, with a natural crunch and chewiness. However, the flavor is mild, not as intense as egg squid or “mực sim”. Therefore, cuttlefish is often prepared with rich seasonings or used in grilled, fried, and stir-fried dishes.

In terms of anatomy, cuttlefish belong to the cephalopod group, related to squid and octopus. They have 10 tentacles with many suckers, which help them effectively hunt small fish and crustaceans. Notably, cuttlefish are highly active at night and are excellent hunters in the dark. With a mild, easy-to-eat flavor and being nutrient-rich, cuttlefish is considered a wholesome seafood and frequently appears in family meals.

Distinguishing cuttlefish from other types of squid

Criteria	Squid (Mực ống)	Bigfin Reef Squid (Mực lá)	Cuttlefish (Mực mai/nang)
Shape	Long, tubular body; has many short tentacles and 2 long feeding tentacles; skin has sparkling pink spots	Oval body, fins run almost the entire length of the body, swimming shape resembles a leaf	Thick body, with distinct black/brown and white stripes; the largest size among the three types
Characteristics	Skin changes color when touched, has a plastic-like quill along the back during preparation	Clear white skin, tiny black-brown spots, no quill or hard shell	Has a large, hard internal calcium shell
Weight	300g – 800g/individual	Maximum about 1.8kg/individual	1kg – 3kg/individual
Flesh Thickness & Texture	Thin, soft, smooth, slightly fatty, crunchy and chewy	Thick, crunchy, and has a sweet ocean flavor	Very thick, crunchy, but the flavor is milder
Flavor	Nutty, mild aroma, easy to eat	Rich, naturally sweet	Mild flavor, requires careful seasoning to enhance taste
Preparation	Easy to prepare: stir-fry, fry, hotpot, steam	Suitable for grilling, stir-frying, and high-end salads	Used for cuttlefish cakes, braising with fish sauce, savory stir-fries with rich spices
Habitat	Common in Vietnamese waters	Mainly in clean waters with white sand like the Central region	Appears frequently in the Central and Southern regions

Current market price of cuttlefish

The price of cuttlefish depends on the season and supply. On average, fresh cuttlefish on the market ranges from 200,000 to 350,000 VND/kg. The harvest season usually falls from the end of the year to the new year; during this time, cuttlefish are usually meatier and fresher, so the price may be slightly higher. Additionally, frozen or pre-processed cuttlefish have softer prices, suitable for diverse consumer needs.

Health benefits of eating cuttlefish

Cuttlefish is a delicious seafood that provides significant nutritional value for health. With high protein content, cuttlefish contributes to supporting muscle development, and nourishing healthy hair, nails, and skin. Notably, the vitamins and minerals in cuttlefish are very diverse, thereby providing many wonderful benefits for the body.

One of the highlights of cuttlefish is that it contains selenium, an important mineral for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Supplementing selenium from foods like cuttlefish can help improve symptoms and boost the body’s immune system.

Besides, cuttlefish is also a abundant source of vitamin B2, which has the ability to help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. The high phosphorus content in cuttlefish also helps strengthen bones and teeth, similar to the benefits typically seen in shrimp and fish. Additionally, thanks to containing vitamin B12, cuttlefish also helps reduce homocysteine levels – a factor related to cardiovascular disease and stroke.

How to choose fresh and quality cuttlefish

Based on color and firmness of the flesh

One of the simplest ways to identify fresh cuttlefish is to observe the color and check the elasticity of the meat. Fresh cuttlefish usually have a slightly opaque white or faint pink color, with naturally shiny skin that is not dull and has no strange stains. The surface of the meat should be smooth and dry, not slimy.

When you press lightly on the body with your finger, if the meat is elastic and quickly returns to its original state, that is a sign the cuttlefish is fresh. Conversely, if the meat is mushy, leaves an indentation, or feels sticky, you should avoid buying it because it may have been stored for too long or handled improperly.

Observing eyes and tentacles

The eyes are one of the clearest signs to help you recognize whether cuttlefish is fresh or has been stored for too long. Fresh cuttlefish will have clear, bright eyes with the pupil clearly visible inside. Conversely, if the eyes turn cloudy, blurred, or white, it is very likely that the quality is no longer guaranteed.

Besides that, the tentacles and suckers are also details to pay attention to. In fresh cuttlefish, the tentacles are firm, tightly attached to the suckers, and have good elasticity. Meanwhile, if the tentacles are limp, detached, or broken, that is a sign that the cuttlefish has been left for a long time and is no longer fresh.

Checking the cuttlebone

The cuttlebone should be hard, flat, shiny, and not cracked or darkened. An intact shell is a sign that the cuttlefish has been well preserved and is still fresh.

Instructions on how to properly prep cuttlefish

To maintain freshness and ensure hygiene when preparing, proper cleaning of cuttlefish is a step that cannot be skipped. Below is a simple way to prepare raw cuttlefish that is easy to follow:

• Step 1: Rinse the cuttlefish under running water. Use your hands to gently pull the head away from the body, while separating the attached membrane to easily remove the internal organs. If the ink sac breaks, rinse immediately under running water to prevent the meat from getting stained black.
• Step 2: Gently pull the backbone with the white cartilage inside the body out. Slit the belly of the cuttlefish and remove any remaining internal organs.
• Step 3: Use a knife to gently slit the top of the body to separate the skin layer from the flesh. Hold the flesh steady with one hand, and use the other to slowly peel off the skin.
• Step 4: Cut off the eyes and ink sac if not using. If you want to keep the gut, clean out the ink sac and the black vein in the gut thoroughly. Rinse the entire head and body with clean water, and you are done.

After cleaning, the cuttlefish is ready to be prepared into attractive dishes, retaining its distinctive flavor and nutritional value.

What are some tasty dishes to make with cuttlefish?

Cuttlefish is a versatile ingredient, easy to process into a variety of attractive dishes. Below are some delicious dishes from cuttlefish that many people love:

Cuttlefish grilled with satay

Ingredients to prepare:

• Cuttlefish
• White wine, satay
• Spices: Seasoning powder, sugar, pepper

Instructions:

• Step 1: After cleaning, use white wine to rinse the cuttlefish thoroughly, which helps remove the fishy odor and enhances the aroma when grilling.
• Step 2: Cut the body of the cuttlefish in half lengthwise, then use a knife to lightly score a checkered pattern on the surface so that the seasoning penetrates easily and the squid does not curl up when grilling.
• Step 3: Marinate the cuttlefish with satay, sugar, seasoning powder, and pepper, then mix well and let it absorb the spices for about 30 minutes.
• Step 4: Place the cuttlefish on a grill and cook over charcoal or in an air fryer until the cuttlefish is evenly golden and slightly charred at the edges, then it is complete.

Cuttlefish grilled with satay has an attractive charred crust, with crunchy, sweet flesh and a light spicy taste of satay, very suitable as a snack for drinking or served with hot rice.

Cuttlefish stir-fried with pineapple

Ingredients needed for this dish:

• Fresh cuttlefish
• Ripe pineapple, onion, scallions, garlic
• Spices: Fish sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, MSG

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the cuttlefish, slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Then, sauté garlic in a hot oil pan until fragrant.
• Step 2: Add the sliced pineapple and stir-fry quickly to release its aroma, then add the cuttlefish and stir well over high heat.
• Step 3: When the cuttlefish begins to firm up, season to taste. Add the sliced onion and scallions, stir quickly, then turn off the heat.

See more: How to make spicy dried squid at home

Cuttlefish braised in sweet and sour sauce

Main ingredients include:

• Fresh cuttlefish
• Minced garlic, black pepper, ketchup or tomato sauce
• Oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the cuttlefish and cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and pepper for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Step 2: Sauté minced garlic in a hot oil pan, then add the marinade juices into the pan and bring to a gentle boil.
• Step 3: Add ketchup (or tomato sauce) and sugar into the pan, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Step 4: Add the cuttlefish to the pan, stirring evenly over medium heat until the sauce coats each piece of cuttlefish and becomes thick, then it is finished.

Breaded fried cuttlefish

Ingredients needed:

• Fresh cuttlefish
• Breadcrumbs, chicken eggs
• Spices: black pepper, seasoning powder

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the cuttlefish, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate with a little pepper and seasoning powder for about 15 minutes to ensure the cuttlefish absorbs the seasoning evenly.
• Step 2: Roll each piece of cuttlefish in breadcrumbs, then dip into beaten eggs so that the breading sticks more firmly.
• Step 3: Continue to coat with another layer of breadcrumbs so the cuttlefish becomes crunchier and looks more attractive when fried.
• Step 4: Heat the oil, add the cuttlefish and deep-fry until evenly golden; when the outer layer is crispy, remove and let the oil drain.

Breaded fried cuttlefish has a crispy outer layer and sweet, chewy meat inside, very suitable as a snack or served with chili sauce or mayonnaise.

Cuttlefish fried with garlic fish sauce

Cuttlefish fried with garlic fish sauce has a harmonious salty-sweet taste, mixed with a slight spiciness of chili and the fragrant scent of fried garlic.

Ingredients needed:

• Fresh cuttlefish
• Fish sauce, sugar, pepper, chili
• Oyster sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, cooking oil

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the cuttlefish and slice into bite-sized pieces. Next, heat the oil, fry the cuttlefish lightly until both sides are golden, then remove and drain the oil.
• Step 2: Mix the sauce mixture consisting of 2 teaspoons of sugar, 3 teaspoons of fish sauce, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, along with 5 teaspoons of water, oyster sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic.
• Step 3: Heat the pan, add the sauce mixture and cook until it boils slightly. Then add the pre-fried cuttlefish, stir well so that the cuttlefish absorbs the seasoning. When the sauce thickens and covers each piece of cuttlefish evenly, it is complete.

Cuttlefish stuffed with minced meat fried with fish sauce

Ingredients to prepare:

• Fresh cuttlefish
• Minced pork belly
• Wood ear mushrooms, dried onions, pepper
• Oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic, sugar

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the cuttlefish, remove the fishy odor with diluted salt water, and let it dry. Mix the minced meat thoroughly with wood ear mushrooms, dried onions, pepper, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
• Step 2: Use the cleaned cuttlefish to stuff the meat mixture inside. Use a toothpick to secure both ends so that the filling does not fall out during preparation. Steam the cuttlefish for about 15 minutes to ensure the filling is cooked through and the cuttlefish firms up.
• Step 3: Heat the oil pan and fry the cuttlefish until golden on all sides. Make a sauce consisting of 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, minced garlic, and a little pepper. Pour the mixture into the pan, simmer with the cuttlefish until the sauce thickens and coats evenly, then turn off the heat.
• Step 4: Cut the cuttlefish into bite-sized rings, arrange on a plate, and decorate with herbs or cucumber to serve.

Cuttlefish stir-fried with bell peppers

With attractive colors and a fresh, light flavor, cuttlefish stir-fried with bell peppers is both delicious and nutritious, very suitable for everyday family meals.

Ingredients to prepare:

• Fresh cuttlefish
• Bell peppers (multiple colors to make the dish more attractive)
• Garlic, wine, salt
• Spices: Seasoning powder, black pepper

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the cuttlefish by washing it with salt and wine to effectively remove the fishy odor, then let it dry.
• Step 2: Cut the cuttlefish into bite-sized pieces, marinate with seasoning powder and pepper for about 15 minutes for the flavor to soak in. Clean the bell peppers, remove seeds, and slice into square or strip pieces as preferred.
• Step 3: Sauté garlic in a hot pan, then add the cuttlefish and bell peppers, stirring quickly over high heat. Stir-fry until the cuttlefish is just cooked and the peppers still retain their crunch. Before turning off the heat, sprinkle a little more pepper to bring out the aroma.

See more: How to make coconut water steamed dried squid that is soft, delicious, and standard-flavored

Cuttlefish stir-fried with mixed vegetables

If you are looking for a stir-fried dish that is both delicious and nutritious, cuttlefish stir-fried with mixed vegetables is definitely an ideal suggestion. The combination of fresh seafood and crunchy, sweet vegetables creates a dish that is harmonious in both flavor and color, very suitable for family meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients to prepare for 2-4 people:

• 500g – 700g cuttlefish
• 250g – 300g fresh shrimp
• 150 – 250g asparagus, bell peppers
• Spices: Oyster sauce, fish sauce, seasoning powder, black pepper, garlic

Instructions:

• Step 1: Clean the cuttlefish with salt to remove odors, pat dry, and slice into bite-sized rings. Peel the shrimp, remove the back vein, and leave them whole or cut into segments depending on their size. Also, clean the asparagus and bell peppers and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
• Step 2: Marinate the cuttlefish and shrimp with oyster sauce, pepper, and seasoning powder for about 10 minutes.
• Step 3: Sauté garlic until fragrant, add the cuttlefish and shrimp, and stir-fry quickly over high heat until just cooked, then set aside on a plate.
• Step 4: Continue to stir-fry the asparagus and bell peppers in the pan, stirring evenly for 3-4 minutes until nearly cooked. Return the cuttlefish and shrimp to the pan, add more fish sauce to taste, and stir well until the dish is blended, then it is complete.

Cuttlefish used for making cuttlefish cakes

Cuttlefish cakes made from cuttlefish are one of the coastal specialties loved by many people due to their characteristic crunchy, chewy flavor and high nutritional value. Although the method is not too difficult, this dish still requires a little skill and meticulousness to achieve the perfect elasticity, aroma, and golden color.

Ingredients to prepare:

• 1kg cuttlefish
• Fresh shrimp (optional)
• Purple onion, garlic, dill, cooking oil
• Spices: fish sauce, seasoning powder, pepper

Instructions:

• Step 1: Prep the cuttlefish by cleaning it, cutting it into small pieces, and blanching it briefly in boiling water to remove the fishy odor. Peel and clean the shrimp, mince them, and finely chop the onion, garlic, and dill.
• Step 2: Mix the cuttlefish, shrimp, onion, garlic, and dill with fish sauce, seasoning powder, and pepper thoroughly. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Step 3: Puree the mixture using a blender or pound by hand with a mortar until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Shape into round balls and press lightly to create bite-sized patties.
• Step 4: Bring oil to a boil in a pan (the amount of oil should cover the cakes), fry over low heat until the cakes are golden brown on both sides, then it is complete.

>>> See more: How to make soft and delicious grilled dried squid for beer

With the detailed information above, hopefully, it has helped you answer the question at the beginning of the article “cuttlefish what is it and what are some tasty dishes to make with cuttlefish?”. And to discover more attractive recipes from squid as well as to find and buy delicious, high-quality, reputable dried squid products, visit the website olasquid.com right away!