What species of squid creates the best ink? Once you understand that squid ink is not a strange ingredient used only in high-end restaurants, your world opens up to its many possibilities. Squid ink contains no animal cells and could actually be considered vegetarian. Some of the most common and uncommon recipes for squid ink can be found on various internet sites and include many pasta dishes, sushi, fish, pizza, Paella, and even ice cream and macaroons. The most delicious way to use squid ink is in sauces or to pair it with seafood dishes to bring a bit of pizzazz and uniqueness to your plate. You can dry squid ink in the oven, crumble it into tiny pieces, add seasoning of your choice and it can be used on a variety of foods. You can also do the same with risotto or rice.ĭroplets of squid ink while cooking will pop those otherwise bland looking staples into striking dishes. When you add the eggs to the pasta making process, pour in a few drops of squid ink and watch this beautiful deep color pasta come to life. You may want to start with pasta, like fettuccine or spaghetti. There are plenty of other gourmet food sites online where you can buy squid ink in jars or packets.Ĭooking with squid has endless possibilities. If you’re really picky, find a quality Spanish, Italian or Japanese specialty food shop and they can assist in purchasing squid ink. You can talk to your local market and possibly get the name of a reputable fresh seafood dealer and have the fresh squid shipped to your home. At the very least, it’s a great way to impress friends who enjoy the adventurous side of the culinary world. It comes in a 3.2oz jar that’s perfect for trying out. Here’s an Amazon link to Alma Gourmet Cuttlefish Ink. One of the easiest ways to get good-quality squid ink is by simply ordering it through Amazon. If you are land-locked, you may have difficulty finding fresh squid or squid that has not been previously frozen. If you live in coastal areas, squid ink should be reasonably easy to find. Most chefs utilize it only as an interesting way to change the look and feel of a dish. It goes pretty well paired with combined in a dish that uses a mild fish like grouper or something similar.Īnyone avoiding ink out of fear that it has a strong flavor can rest easy. Adding a new color to the dish that is so dynamic it gives your eyes a delightful visual treat. The black pasta is a striking change from having a plate of white pasta. Photo courtesy of Jameson Fink.īlack pasta and rice are commonly used in Spain, Italy and other parts of the world. It is not only used for its subtle flavor, but the color of squid ink is so vibrant and deep adding gusto and new dimensions to your dishes. When used in pasta, it is used mainly for dramatic color presentation and does not change the taste of the pasta itself. Squid ink has a richness that brings truffles to mind while adding the saltiness of an oyster. Squid ink has a very neutral taste on its own, so its flavor comes mostly from its surroundings. Think of a really delicious fish that is clean, full-bodied and encompasses an earthy ocean flavor. The taste of squid ink is best described as “briny”. However, squid ink has become a star among underdog ingredients and found a respectable position in the culinary world. Squid use their ink for protection, and some find its appearance to be objectionable. When building a flavor profile for a particular dish, squid ink would not be the first ingredient to come to mind for most people. The culinary world has given new life to squid ink and boosted its reputation by introducing an array of uses for this intriguing ingredient.
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