BROAD SQUID, SOFT SQUID, BIGFIN REEF SQUID, AORI IKA

Bigfin reef squid are found in the temperate and tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Bigfin reef squid are commonly found near the shoreline, near rocks, and coral reefs. Bigfin reef squid is fished extensively for human consumption in Asia.

In many ways, the bigfin reef squid looks like a cuttlefish due to its large fins and its habit of sculling near reef structures. Its namesake “big fins” extend the length of its body. Bigfin Reef Squid are extremely popular in Viet Nam. Bigfin Reef Squid come by various regional names as Soft Squid, Broad Squid and in Japan is アオリイカ (aori-ika), in Chinese is 莱氏拟乌贼, in Korean is 미즈이카 (mizuika). 

Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) are fairly large as they can attain 40~45 cm length for a weight up to 6 kg. Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) season is from April to early October. Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) are mainly caught in Central and South Vietnam along the Southern shores. The catch has never been big (mainly by trawling nets), making them a choice morsel.

Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) flesh is pure white, translucent and thick, and is served decoratively sliced, as it is harder than it looks. Even so, it has a rewarding texture with a scent of the waves and becomes slightly sweeter the more it is chewed. The texture of Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) can be a little bit tough, but the more the flesh is chewed, the more sweetness is released

Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) are certainly the king of all squids. Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) are often served with salt and a lime-like Japanese citrus fruit called sudachi. Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) are considered the best cuttlefish as far as sashimi is concerned. In French Languedoc-Roussillon they call them “piste” and eat them raw marinated in lemon juice, olive oil and spices on top of freshly toasted bread. Its rich, sweet flavor pairs especially well with vinegared shari. Also, Bigfin Reef Squid/ Soft Squid/ Broad Squid/ Aori-ika (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) are famous for any spicy Thai stir-fried dishes like 'pad-cha' (ผัดฉ่า), or perfectly just as delicious in tomato seafood stew with its shellfish friends.