Squid

Almost all squid is now sold so clean it needs just a quick rinse to be ready for cooking; some of it is even sold cut into rings. (If you need to clean it yourself, see the instructions and illustration.) To make it even more convenient, squid, like shrimp, is one of those rare seafoods whose quality barely suffers when frozen, so you can safely tuck a two-pound bag in the freezer and let it sit for a month or two, defrosting it the day you’re ready to cook. (Like shrimp, it will defrost quickly and safely when covered with cold water.)