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Frozen Illex Squid Tentacles

Frozen Illex Squid Tentacles
Product Introduction:
These are the tentacles we make for kitchens that want something tender and quick. We take wild-caught Illex argentinus — Argentine shortfin squid, head and tentacle section — hand-trim it, bundle it to uniform spec, and IQF-freeze it. The frozen illex squid tentacles we ship travel in a -18°C cold chain from our line to your kitchen: soft and easy to chew, with a gentle bite, natural sweet umami, and barely any fishiness.
Next to the Peruvian gigas tentacles, these are the smaller, finer option. Where gigas is the one you grill hard over charcoal, this is the one you blanch, drop into hot pot broth, or skewer for an izakaya counter. It cooks in under two minutes, plates neatly, and fits the menus that care about tenderness and presentation — hot pot chains, Japanese izakayas and ready-to-eat snack makers are the ones who buy it.
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Description
Technical Parameters

Technical Specifications

Item

Specifications

Product Name

Frozen Argentine Squid Tentacles (Frozen Illex Squid Tentacles)

Raw Material

Argentine Illex Squid Tentacles (Illex argentinus)

Processing Method

Washing & trimming, bundling, IQF (Individual Quick Freezing)

Size Grading

30–50g/pc; 80–150g/pc

Freezing Method

IQF (Individual Quick Freezing)

Glazing

10%–70% (adjustable per customer requirements)

Packaging

Bulk 10kg custom packaging

Shelf Life

24 months (at -18°C)

 

Key Features

01/

Tender and delicate texture - Argentine Illex squid tentacles are naturally tender and easy to chew-unlike the firm, springy texture of Gigas squid tentacles-making them ideal for consumers who prefer a soft, smooth mouthfeel.

02/

Naturally sweet with minimal fishiness - Argentine Illex squid offers a natural, sweet umami flavor with very little fishy odor; they require no complex deodorizing and are ready to use after a simple rinse, making them versatile for various cooking methods and seasonings.

03/

Compact size for elegant presentation - Illex squid tentacles are smaller and more delicate than Gigas tentacles; when bundled, they maintain a neat, attractive appearance, making them perfect for Japanese cuisine and fine dining where visual presentation is paramount.

04/

Quick to cook - Their tender texture allows for rapid cooking; they are fully cooked after a quick blanch or 1–2 minutes of high-heat stir-frying, making them suitable for fast-paced foodservice environments.

05/

Additive-free, natural quality - Free from preservatives or bleaching agents; a simple edible ice glaze is used to retain moisture and preserve the squid's natural flavor.

06/

IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) - Each bundle is frozen separately to prevent clumping, allowing for portion-controlled use without the need to thaw the entire case.

07/

Low thaw loss - Thaw loss for Argentine squid is controlled at just 1.3%–1.6%-significantly lower than other varieties-resulting in a high product yield.

 

Application Scenarios

Thanks to their tender texture and fresh, sweet flavor, frozen Argentine squid tentacles are widely used in the following applications:

Hot Pot

Cooks instantly; the meat is tender, springy, and smooth, making it a popular hot pot ingredient.

Takoyaki Filling

Diced and used as a filling for Takoyaki (octopus balls), offering a tender and sweet taste.

Izakaya-Style Skewers

Skewered and charcoal-grilled; the tentacles become tender and flavorful, making them ideal for Japanese-style Izakaya menus.

Spicy Seasoned Snacks

Marinated and processed into ready-to-eat snacks with a soft, tender, and easy-to-chew texture.

Noodle Toppings

Used as a seafood topping for ramen, udon, and other noodle soups to elevate the dish.

Ready-to-Cook/Convenience Meals

Serves as a key ingredient in frozen ready-to-cook meals, allowing consumers to prepare dishes quickly and easily.

FAQ

 

Q1: Are the Argentine squid tentacles pre-cooked?

No. This is a raw, IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) product that has not undergone any pre-cooking; it must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Q2: What is the recommended cooking time?

Argentine Illex squid tentacles have tender flesh and require very little cooking time. A quick blanch or stir-fry over high heat for 1–2 minutes is sufficient; overcooking will cause the meat to become tough and chewy.

Q3: What is the difference between Illex and Gigas squid tentacles?

The main differences lie in size and texture:

Illex squid tentacles (Argentina) - Smaller in size with tender, delicate flesh; they offer a soft, sweet taste with a mild flavor, making them ideal for hot pot, izakaya dishes, and ready-to-eat snacks where a tender texture is desired.

Gigas squid tentacles (Peru) - Larger in size with firm, resilient flesh; they offer a chewier texture, making them ideal for deep-frying or grilling where a firm, springy bite is preferred.

Q4: What is the proper way to thaw the product?

Slow thawing in the refrigerator (at 0°C–4°C for 6–8 hours) is recommended to best preserve the meat's tenderness and sweet flavor. Drain off any excess water after thawing before cooking. Do not thaw using hot water or a microwave, as this causes the meat to toughen and results in significant moisture loss.

 

 

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