Truthfully, I haven’t had to debeak a squid since my prep cook days at Hot Tomatoes because my grocer is more likely to have it frozen and pre-cleaned. This really isn’t scary or difficult though, and it’s good to know how to do it.
Instructions literally ripped out of Saveur. Click image to enlarge.
1 Slice squid in half just below the eyes, separating the tentacles from the head; reserve tentacles.
2 Holding the body, gently pull out the head, intestines, ink sac, and clear skeleton; discard innards.
3 Working from the cut end of the body, grasp the thin skin. Peel back toward the tip and discard.
4 Rinse squid body and tentacles before cooking. Slice body crosswise into rings for salads and soups.