lautnusantara.com - Squid can be quite tough if not prepared properly, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a tender and flavorful result. To make perfectly tender squid, you need to follow a few important steps. Here's a basic guide:

Ingredients:

• Fresh squid (cleaned and prepared)
• Salt
• Acid (lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk)
• Cooking oil
• Seasonings (optional, based on your recipe)

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Instructions:
1.    Choose Fresh Squid
Start with fresh squid. Look for squid that is firm and has a mild ocean smell. It should not be overly fishy or slimy.

2.    Clean the Squid
If your squid is not already cleaned, you'll need to do this first. Remove the head and beak, cut the tentacles, and peel the skin off the body. Rinse the squid thoroughly.

3.    Tenderize
Tenderizing is crucial to achieving tender squid. You can do this in two ways:
•    Quick Method
Score the squid by making shallow diagonal cuts on the inside of the tube. This helps break down the tough muscle fibers. Avoid cutting all the way through the flesh.
•    Longer Method
Soak the cleaned squid in buttermilk or a mixture of water and lemon juice for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The acidity in the buttermilk or lemon juice will help tenderize the squid.

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4.    Season
Season the squid with a little salt. You can also add other seasonings or marinades if you desire, such as garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs. Keep in mind that squid has a delicate flavor, so don't overpower it with too many strong seasonings.

5.    Heat the Pan
Heat a pan over high heat. You want the pan to be very hot before you add the squid.

6.    Cook Quickly
Squid cooks very fast, so it's important not to overcook it. When the pan is hot, add a small amount of oil (such as olive oil) and then quickly add the squid. Cook for a very short time, usually just 1-2 minutes on each side. The squid is done when it turns opaque and curls.

7.    Serve Immediately
Overcooking squid will make it tough and rubbery. As soon as the squid turns opaque, remove it from the heat. Serve it immediately to enjoy it at its most tender.

Remember that the key to perfect squid is not to overcook it. Be mindful of the cooking time, and you'll end up with tender, delicious squid. You can serve it as a main course, in a salad, in pasta, or in various other dishes.

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