What is small cuttlefish? How to identify and cook it properly

Currently, there are many types of squid on the market such as tube squid, cuttlefish, etc. However, many people are still quite unfamiliar with the term small cuttlefish, not knowing what it looks like and what delicious dishes can be made from it. In this article, let’s explore this type of squid in more detail, how to distinguish it from cuttlefish, and simple preparation methods.

1. What is small cuttlefish ?

Small cuttlefish (also known as baby squid or knot squid) is a type of marine squid belonging to the cuttlefish family, with a small size ranging from 2-7 cm per individual. Unlike tube squid or squid, small cuttlefish has a round, slightly bulbous body, with the head and body almost fused. A prominent characteristic of small cuttlefish is the white mantle hidden under its light gray skin, along with its thick, crispy flesh and a distinct, delicate sweetness.

This type of squid mainly inhabits the central coastal waters of Vietnam, such as Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, and Phu Yen, and is highly regarded for its quality and freshness. Thanks to its rich flavor, ease of preparation, and high nutritional value, small cuttlefish is increasingly chosen for family meals and seafood restaurant menus.

2. Distinguish small cuttlefish from cuttlefish

Although small cuttlefish is a type of cuttlefish, there are subtle differences you can use to distinguish them:

3. How to clean small cuttlefish

Small cuttlefish has a naturally sweet flavor, firm and crispy texture, and is rich in nutrients. However, to preserve its flavor and ensure hygiene during preparation, you need to clean it properly following these steps:

• Step 1 – Rinse the outside: First, rinse the small cuttlefish with cold water to remove dirt, sand, and slime from the surface.
• Step 2 – Separate the head and body: Hold the body with one hand and gently pull the head away from the body with the other hand to reveal the internal organs.
• Step 3 – Remove ink sac and innards: Gently remove the ink sac, being careful not to break it and cause the black ink to spread. If the sac breaks accidentally, rinse thoroughly with cold water. At the same time, remove all remaining intestines and internal organs from the body.

• Step 4 – Clean the squid head: Cut off the eyes and beak (located between the tentacles). Make a small incision near the base of the head and gently peel off the skin.
• Step 5 – Rinse and cook: Finally, rinse the squid again with clean water, drain it, and cook it in your favorite dishes such as grilling, steaming, stir-frying, or deep-frying.

4. What delicious dishes can be made with small cuttlefish?

Small cuttlefish meat is known for its chewy, crispy texture, natural sweetness, and rich nutrients like protein, copper, iodine, and phosphorus. Therefore, bau squid is not only popular for its nutritional value but also for its versatility in cooking. Here are some delicious bau squid dishes you can easily make at home:

• Grilled small cuttlefish with Sate: An ideal dish for outdoor BBQs or cozy weekend gatherings. Simply marinate the squid with a mixture of sate sauce, oyster sauce, lemongrass, garlic, chili, and a little sugar, then grill over charcoal for a fragrant, spicy, and flavorful grilled squid. Remember to brush the marinade evenly while grilling to prevent the squid from drying out or burning.
• Stir-fried small cuttlefish with Bok Choy: The combination of crispy squid with tender green bok choy, enhanced with fragrant fried garlic, creates a visually appealing and nutritious stir-fry. This is an ideal dish for a simple yet delicious family meal.
• Steamed small cuttlefish with Lemongrass and Ginger or Beer: If you prefer a light and natural flavor, steaming is the ideal choice. Steaming small cuttlefish with lemongrass and ginger or beer effectively removes any fishy odor while preserving the natural sweetness and tenderness of the squid.
• Deep-fried small cuttlefish: Coated with a thin layer of batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy, fried small cuttlefish is a favorite dish for both adults and children. Dipping it in chili sauce or mayonnaise makes it even more appealing.
• Small cuttlefish Salad: Lightly boiled squid, combined with sliced onions, culantro, a sweet and sour tamarind dressing, and roasted peanuts, creates a refreshing and flavorful squid salad, perfect for hot days.

5. How to choose fresh and delicious small cuttlefish

To ensure you get fresh and high-quality small cuttlefish, pay attention to the following criteria when purchasing:

• Eyes and skin: The squid’s eyes should be clear and bright, without any cloudy film. The skin should be taut, slightly moist, not discolored, or emitting a foul odor. If the squid has dull, cloudy eyes or bruises, it may indicate it has been stored for a long time.
• Flesh: Firm and elastic. When lightly pressed, the squid should spring back and not leave a lasting indentation. The tentacles should be intact and not detached. Conversely, stale squid will have soft, mushy flesh.
• Smell: Fresh squid has a mild, characteristic seafood odor, not overly strong or unpleasant. If the squid has a strange or foul smell, it’s best to avoid it as it may be spoiled or have been stored for too long.
• Origin and storage: Prioritize squid from clean waters like Phan Thiet or Khanh Hoa, or from specialized fresh seafood stores.
• If buying frozen squid, carefully check the packaging, production date, and ensure the squid has been stored at the appropriate temperature.

The above information provides details about small cuttlefish, how to distinguish it from cuttlefish, and tips for choosing fresh small cuttlefish. We hope this article has been helpful. If you want to explore more delicious squid dishes, don’t forget to visit our website at olasquid.com/en! To discover a wide variety of dried squid products, you can visit our shop. We offer various types, including dried squid snacks, flattened dried squid, and whole dried squid.