What Is Calamari

What is calamari, how do I cook it, what does it taste like, where can I find it, and why does everyone love it? This article will go over everything you need to know about this tasty food! Keep on reading to find out all the details on calamari, as well as some delicious recipes for it!

What Is Calamari

Calamari is the Italian name for squid. Squid are sea mollusks that have eight arms and two elongated tentacles. They are similar to an octopus but are more elongated and are often able to change colors.

Many restaurants refer to fried or baked squid as calamari to give it more appeal, but the names can be used interchangeably. Most people prefer the rings, which are the body of the squid, but you can eat the tentacles as well. 

Jump to:

• What Is Calamari
• 🍲 How To Cook Calamari
• 💡 Deep Fried Calamari Tips
• 😋 What Does Calamari Taste Like
• 🔎 Calamari Vs Octopus
• 🍽️ Best Calamari Recipes
• 💪 Is Calamari Good For Me
• 🛒 Where To Buy Calamari
• 🥡 Storing
• 🐟 Varieties
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments & Reviews

🍲 How To Cook Calamari

Calamari can be difficult to cook if you aren't used to preparing seafood. You must properly cook it before you add any seasoning or add it to a marinade for tenderizing.

It can be fried, baked, boiled, or grilled. Deep-fried, breaded squid is the most common and is often served across the United States as an appetizer in many bars and restaurants.

For the juiciest and most tender squid, you want to soak it in a cream and citrus or buttermilk bath for at least 30 minutes before seasoning. This step allows the meat to become super moist and helps enhance the overall flavor.

Calamari doesn't take very long to cook once it is prepped. Whether you are frying it on the stove or searing it on the grill, a few minutes on high heat is all that is necessary for this delicious seafood! Each recipe will have specific heat and time instructions that you should follow. Overcooking it can make the texture too rubbery to enjoy.

💡 Deep Fried Calamari Tips

Since deep-fried calamari is the most well-known variety of squid eaten in the United States, I feel that tips and tricks on how to prepare this dish are the most sought after.

Tip 1: Make In Small Batches

Calamari needs to be fried using high heat. When you add too many pieces to your oil it causes the temperature of the oil to cool which can cause it to become chewy.

Tip 2: Always Pre-Soak

While many people assume the pre-soak is an optional step, the truth is that it really makes the squid better. The acidic pre-soak allows it to remain juicy and tender and prevents it from drying out. It also enhances the flavor and helps the breading stick.

Tip 3: Add A Dash Of Salt Immediately After Removing It From The Oil

Be sure to add a dash of salt immediately after you remove the calamari from the oil. Adding the salt right away helps it stick and binds the flavors together.

😋 What Does Calamari Taste Like

Calamari has a mild flavor with just a dash of sweetness. It has a firm texture, but can also be chewy or rubbery when overcooked. The squid itself doesn't have a bold flavor but will take on the flavors of the spices used when preparing it. That is why marinading and seasoning it is an important part of the cooking process.

🔎 Calamari Vs Octopus

Calamari and octopi are similar sea creatures, both are cephalopods with large heads and multiple tentacles. Calamari is more known for being cut into rings and battered and deep fried, while octopus is known for being eaten raw or cooked and is usually prepared whole rather than cut into rings.

Both calamari and octopus have a similar mild flavor, neither one has a fishy or oceanic taste. Both are protein-rich and low in fat, which makes them equally good options.

🍽️ Best Calamari Recipes

This is the perfect snack or appetizer for everyone in your household. It is one of the best vessels for dips that I've ever eaten! Scoop up dips such as aioli, marinara, queso, or salsa with your crunchy battered calamari, or eat them with a spritz of lemon juice!

• Calamari Rings
• Spanish Seafood Paella

💪 Is Calamari Good For Me

Yes! It is full of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, potassium, iron, and phosphorus. But always remember that the way you cook it also matters. Deep-fried calamari is not going to be as healthy as baked or broiled because of the added oil.

🛒 Where To Buy Calamari

It can be purchased at your local grocery store in the seafood section. You can buy prepared and breaded calamari rings, frozen, or fresh squid that will need to be washed and prepared by you.

🥡 Storing

Properly stored calamari will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If cooked, store it in an airtight container in the fridge after it has properly cooled.

🐟 Varieties

While calamari is squid, not all squid are calamari. There are over 300 species of squid throughout the world, but less than a dozen are used for cooking!

Southern and Northern calamari are the two most popular varieties used in cooking.

Now that you know everything about this tasty squid, what recipe are you wanting to try first? Let me know in the comments below!

📖 Recipe Card