lautnusantara.com_ Squid is one of the most popular seafood ingredients, loved for its chewy texture and naturally savory taste. However, the biggest challenge in cooking squid is dealing with its strong fishy odor. This smell can reduce the appeal of the dish, even though squid itself has a delicious flavor. To solve this, proper handling and cooking techniques are essential to remove the odor while keeping its natural umami taste.

1. Choose Fresh Squid

The freshness of squid determines its taste and aroma. Fresh squid usually has shiny skin, clear eyes, a firm texture, and no overpowering smell. Squid that has been stored for too long tends to produce a stronger odor that is harder to eliminate.

2. Clean Thoroughly

Proper cleaning is the next step. Remove the ink sac, internal organs, and cartilage (the squid’s “pen”). Rinse the squid under running water until it is completely clean. This process helps reduce odor that comes from leftover fluids or residue inside the body.

3. Use Natural Odor Neutralizers

Several kitchen ingredients can help minimize the fishy smell:

• Lime or lemon juice: Squeeze and coat the squid, letting it sit for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
• Salt and vinegar: Briefly soak the squid in a salt or vinegar solution to neutralize odor.
• Ginger or galangal: These aromatic spices add fragrance while effectively masking any fishy smell.

4. Avoid Overcooking

Squid cooks very quickly. Overcooking not only makes it tough and rubbery but also enhances the fishy odor. Ideally, squid should only be cooked for about 3–5 minutes, depending on the cooking method.

5. Enhance with Herbs and Spices

The choice of seasoning also plays a big role. Garlic, chili, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves add aroma and flavor, while helping mask any residual smell. These spices also highlight the natural umami flavor of squid.

Cooking squid without the fishy odor is easy once you know the key steps. Start with fresh squid, clean it thoroughly, use natural odor neutralizers, and avoid overcooking. By combining these techniques with the right spices, you can serve squid dishes that are tender, flavorful, and irresistibly appetizing.

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