What Is Squid?
Squid (and its larger cousin cuttlefish) is scored in a crosshatch pattern before hot pot cooking, causing it to curl dramatically into beautiful flower shapes as it hits the hot broth. The scoring also tenderizes the flesh and helps sauces cling. Fresh squid has a clean, subtly oceanic flavor and a satisfying chew. At many hot pot restaurants, squid is scored table-side as a display of knife skill.
Flavor & Texture
Flavor
Mild ocean sweetness, clean and slightly briny
Texture
Tender with a satisfying chew when cooked right; tough if overdone
How to Cook Squid in Hot Pot
CLEANING: Clean squid by pulling out the transparent quill (the internal shell) and removing the head. Rinse the tube and tentacles under cold water. Peel off the purple-pink outer skin if desired (not required — it is edible but can be slightly chewy).
CUTTING: The key technique: lay the squid tube flat and score a fine diamond crosshatch pattern across the surface — cuts should go halfway through, not all the way. Space cuts 3–4mm apart. Then slice into 4–5cm rectangular pieces. This scoring causes the squid to curl into flower shapes during cooking and tenderizes the flesh.
HOW TO COOK: Drop into boiling broth. The crosshatch-scored pieces will curl dramatically within 10–15 seconds.
DONENESS CUE: Squid is cooked when it turns from translucent to fully opaque white and has curled into the characteristic flower or scroll shape. Total time: 1–2 minutes. Overcooked squid becomes rubbery almost instantly — when in doubt, pull it out early.
PRO TIP: The tentacles cook even faster than the body (30–60 seconds). Add them last. Serve with ponzu or a light citrus soy for a refreshing contrast to the rich broth.
Best Broths to Pair With
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I cook Squid in hot pot?
Cook Squid for 1–2 minutes. CLEANING: Clean squid by pulling out the transparent quill (the internal shell) and removing the head. Rinse the tube and tentacles under cold water. Peel off the purple-pink outer skin if desired (no...
What does Squid taste like?
Squid has a mild ocean sweetness, clean and slightly briny flavor. Texture: tender with a satisfying chew when cooked right; tough if overdone.
Which hot pot broth goes best with Squid?
Squid pairs best with: Clear Bone Broth, Sichuan Mala, Tomato Broth.
