Octopus can be eaten raw (alive, even, assuming you don’t find that inherently cruel), and it can also be prepared using quick-cooking methods like sautéing, though it’s riskier to do that than with, say, squid, a related animal that starts out much more tender.
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- Can broccoli rabe be eaten raw? Broccoli rabe can be eaten raw or cooked. Always wash your vegetables before eating them. Consuming raw broccoli rabe may yield a more bitter taste, so a quick blanch is recommended for a milder flavor. You can also grill and saute broccoli rabe.
- "Should I wash octopus before cooking?" If buying fresh octopus, ask the fishmonger to clean it for you. However, if the octopus is not pre-cleaned, wash and clean it, removing the ink sac and internal organs by making a circular cut around the beak, with a paring knife. Pull away the beak and the organs will come with it. All frozen octopus is pre-cleaned.
- How do chefs prepare octopus? The most basic way of cooking octopus is to simmer it in liquid. Fill a saucepan with salted water and bring to the boil. Add the octopus, reduce the heat immediately and simmer gently for 45–60 minutes. It's important that the water is turned down to a gentle simmer once the octopus is in the pan.
- How do you know if squid is bad? Squid is naturally firm but can be toughened by incorrect cooking or overcooking. Best squids shouldn't be overcooked or they'll taste like rubber tires. When it's fresh and well cooked, they should be firm, slightly chewy and not slimy. If the squid tastes soft, slimy or gritty, they're a danger.
- "Do I need to clean squid before cooking?" Although the dark, spotty skin of the squid is edible, most cooks choose to remove it for a more appealing presentation. The skin will easily separate from the flesh to be peeled away. Once you have the skin removed, thoroughly wash the inside of the squid body tube, using your finger to pull out any residual innards.
- Do you need to cook octopus before grilling? Before grilling, an octopus first has to be cooked until tender. This two-stage cooking process guarantees great results. During the first stage, your goal is to cook the octopus until the tough connective-tissue collagen in its muscles melts into soft gelatin.