Squid help, please.

[Half Baked]

I bought squid tubes yesterday and have some questions. I've fried quite a bit of rings in the past but I'm trying to eat healthier.

Last year I grilled a few pieces according to directions (1.5 min on each side - hot fire) and my squid was still almost raw. When I popped them back on the grill, I over-cooked them.

Do sqiud benefit from marinating, or brining? I had brushed evoo on them to prevent sticking.

The squid I bought last year were cleaned but there was a membrane inside that caused the squid to curl. Should I cut that out?

[Andy M.]

Clean out the squid so the tube is empty. There is a semi-hard membrane that has to be removed along with a few other bits and pieces.

No need to brine or marinate.

Try stuffing them and simmering in a tomato sauce.

[Constance]

We had some delicious squid rings at Jimmy Buffet's restaurant in New Orleans. They were sauteed with strips of hot and sweet peppers, and were outstanding!

[Half Baked]

I have purchased squid that weren't cleaned before and know how to do 'all that' but there seems to be a very thin membrane left on the inside of the tube which caused the squid to curl. I'll see if I can describe it better after I prepare these.

Thanks for the information regarding no marinating or brining.

...and I have stuffed the tubes and baked them in tomato sauce in the past. Those are terrific.

Constance - that sounds great!

[Robo410]

wonderful in a seafood chowder, or a paella, or a seafood arrabiata over pasta. Also very nice quickly sauteed and tossed on a salad with shrimp or other shell fish.

[Half Baked]

Thank you, Robo!

[BreezyCooking]

My favorite ways of cooking squid are 1) in a spicy marinara sauce over linguini, 2) in a spicy Thai stirfry, 3) in paella, or even just "mixed seafood over yellow rice", & 4) shallow fried - i.e. just dusted with flour or cornstarch & quickly panfried in some extra-virgin olive oil.

[Half Baked]

Originally Posted by BreezyCooking

My favorite ways of cooking squid are 1) in a spicy marinara sauce over linguini, 2) in a spicy Thai stirfry, 3) in paella, or even just "mixed seafood over yellow rice", & 4) shallow fried - i.e. just dusted with flour or cornstarch & quickly panfried in some extra-virgin olive oil.

Lol, #4 is my favorite and I've made it often. I'm just trying to stay off fried foods for a bit.
I'll peruse some Thai books to get ideas for #2

[Charleysaunt]

If you are trying to eat healthier and mean "not fried rings" then braise them in a marinara sauce and serve over pasta. Use lots of garlic too.

[BreezyCooking]

Half Baked - while I can understand you wanting to cut back on fried foods (I rarely fry things these days) - using olive oil & just a light dusting of flour or cornstarch rather than a batter makes these squid rings quite good for you. Remember - olive oil is one of the "good fats". : )

Unless you're eating this every day, it's a fine & healthy way to enjoy squid.