© Shutterstock

Introducing squid ink -

If you’ve always wondered how to add a bit of tasty fun to your tired old rice and pasta recipes, look no further. Squid ink can provide you with the culinary excitement you’ve been looking for!

© Shutterstock

A little different -

If you’ve never come across squid ink in a recipe before, you may be wondering what on earth those words are doing in the context of food.

© Shutterstock

What is squid ink? -

Indeed, it may not sound delicious, but squid ink, the substance a squid releases when it feels threatened to obscure a predator’s vision, can be a great addition to many recipes.

© Shutterstock

Taste -

In terms of taste, squid ink has a saltiness similar to oysters, but it is otherwise quite unique. It has a silky, umami flavor that cannot be mistaken for anything else.

© Shutterstock

Ocean-like -

Some describe the taste of squid ink as "ocean-like," but it is not particularly overpowering when it is used in recipes.

© Shutterstock

Subtle salty layer -

When added to the majority of dishes, squid or cuttlefish ink adds a subtle yet delicious salty layer of taste.

© Shutterstock

Where to find squid ink -

Not all supermarkets stock squid ink, but it is not particularly difficult to find. In general, your best bet would be an international (Italian, Spanish, or Japanese) or seafood market.

© Shutterstock

Less available inland -

If you live in a landlocked area, you may find it more difficult to track down. Due to availability, it is more easily found in coastal areas.

© Shutterstock

Online option -

If you cannot find squid ink in a store near you, there are plenty of online gourmet food stores that sell jars or packets of squid ink for culinary purposes.

© Shutterstock

Is it dangerous? -

Despite its slightly alarming color, squid ink is not poisonous or toxic to humans. It may stain your teeth for a short time after eating, but that’s about it.

© Shutterstock

When to avoid squid ink -

That said, while squid ink is innocuous to the majority of humans, it is important to avoid eating squid ink if you have a seafood or shellfish allergy.

© Shutterstock

Stains -

Remember, too, that if you get squid ink on your clothes while preparing a dish, it may well stain. It is ink, after all…

© Shutterstock

Health benefits -

As well as being a tasty addition to many everyday foods, squid ink is thought to have a number of health benefits.

© Shutterstock

Antioxidant properties -

Studies have shown that squid ink can neutralize harmful bacteria, and that it contains antioxidant properties that can prevent cell damage.

© Shutterstock

Caveat -

That said, it is important to note that the majority of existing research was conducted in test tubes or on animals, and that further research is needed to confirm the benefits of squid ink for humans.

© Shutterstock

Culinary uses -

Now for some culinary uses. The first, and probably most popular, use of squid ink is in black pasta. Squid ink pasta has a striking color and a subtle, briny flavor.

© Shutterstock

Black pasta -

Squid ink can also be added to a white wine sauce and poured over regular pasta. This is a great way to get the same flavor, but without the intense, black color.

© Shutterstock

Black rice -

Another favorite ingredient for adding squid ink is rice. Think Spanish paella with black rice (arroz negro) and king prawns.

© Shutterstock

Black rice -

When added to rice, squid ink stains the outside of the rice grains and provides a salty, umami flavor that gives the dish a deeper and smoother taste.

© Shutterstock

Black bread -

When baked into bread, the taste of squid ink is very subtle. You may get a salty hint if eating plain bread, but otherwise it acts more like a food coloring.

© Shutterstock

Black bread -

The color, by contrast, is very striking, and many restaurants use squid ink bread to spice up their Halloween menus, or to just offer a burger with a bit of a difference.

© Shutterstock

Soup with a twist -

Adding squid ink is also a great way to dye and flavor any soup or sauce that may be feeling a little bit tired.

© Shutterstock

Soup with a twist -

There are certain seafood soups and dishes that tend to call for squid ink, but in fact it is very versatile and can be a great addition to just about any dish.

© Shutterstock

Black seafood -

If your go-to seafood dish is tasting or looking a little lackluster, squid or cuttlefish ink can be a great way to ensure it packs that extra punch.

© Shutterstock

Black seafood -

Some seafood dishes that go great with squid ink include black sushi rice, fish and chips with black batter, black calamari, and black tempura.

© Shutterstock

Squid ink ice cream -

And now for a couple of slightly more out-there recipes. The first is squid ink ice cream. Already a go-to at certain Korean cities and fish markets, black ice cream became popular during the 2018 Olympics.

© Shutterstock

Squid ink ice cream -

With a taste not dissimilar to salted caramel, squid ink ice cream is a great choice for those with a penchant for the sweet and salty.

© Shutterstock

Favorite new ingredient? -

So there you have it, some fun facts and tips for how to use your new favorite ingredient: squid ink.

Sources: (WikiHow) (Healthline)

See also: Natural food dye tricks for more colorful cuisine

© Shutterstock