I had actually never eaten cuttlefish up until I met my husband and moved here to Portugal. For those who have never heard of/tried this interesting mollusk (cephalopoda with a shell on the inside), cuttlefish are fairly similar to squid in that they are from the same family, have the same body shape (though a squid is more slender) with tentacles, and the flavor and texture is also similar.
Cuttlefish also have ink but instead of the black of squid ink, the cuttlefish has a brown ink called sepia (also the name of a brown tint). This tastes very good in sauces. 
I find cuttlefish to be very similar to squid so the two can be substituted for the other depending on what you can get your hands on, but if at all possible try to get it fresh.
Grilled Cuttlefish
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Grilled cuttlefish, simply seasoned and cooked to perfection on a hot grill, offering a taste of summer with every bite.
Ingredients
- 5 cuttlefish with tentacles
- Couple pinches of salt
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Be certain to clean the cuttlefish well if it still has the guts and ink sac. To remove the spine, grab the bone between your forefinger and thumb and twist towards yourself. This will cut through the hood but should come away with ease (if by chance you have a pet bird of some sort, they apparently love the spine from squid or cuttlefish, so be sure to save it as a treat!).
- Cut the tentacles off the bottom and split the body down the middle if not already done.
- Sprinkle with the salt on both sides of each cuttlefish and tentacles.
- Place the cuttlefish on a grill with hot glowing coals and allow to cook 3-5 minutes on each side (depending on size). If you are using flame or an oven instead of a grill, cooking time may be quicker to keep it from becoming tough.
- Cuttlefish is done cooking when the flesh is white and no longer translucent and if the skin is still on, it will turn purple. Don’t over cook as it will be tough!
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked cuttlefish and tentacles and serve with a fresh salad!
Notes
If you are getting fresh cuttlefish, look for skin that is intact and bright as well as a body with the tentacles, head, and such intact. It should also have a fresh sea smell, not a fishy smell. Cuttlefish can be substituted with squid if necessary. Serve with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Thanks. First time I found cuttlefish/sepia at the fish store and your recipe is perfect for getting to know this product. I’n mostly curious if I will manage the right cooking time, not letting it turn chewy.
Greetings form Hilversum, the Netherlands.
Thank you i will love this meal and your recipe