what is calamari
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What Is Calamari?
A Guide to Buying and Cooking with Calamari
The word "calamari" comes from the Italian word for squid. In the United States, it typically refers to a battered and deep-fried appetizer served in restaurants, but it’s also used interchangeably with the ingredient itself: squid. While many Mediterranean countries prepare squid in various ways, it's a beloved dish across Asia as well.
Spanish and Italian chefs add squid to dishes like paella, risotto, soups, and pasta. In Portugal, “lulas” are served as grilled squid kebabs with peppers and onions. In Korea, squid is deep-fried and wrapped in lettuce leaves with mustard or chili sauce. Many Asian countries, such as China, Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan, also grill whole squid and sell it at food stalls. Additionally, squid features in stir-fries, rice, and noodle dishes, particularly in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine.
What Is Calamari?
Over 300 species of squid inhabit the world's oceans, but only a small handful are utilized in the global culinary industry.. Squid, related to the cuttlefish and octopus, is sometimes labeled as "calamari" to give it a more upscale appeal. Despite the different terminology, calamari and squid are the same. Squid can range in size from 1 inch to 80 feet, but those used in cooking are usually under 12 inches long. Like octopuses, squid have a defense mechanism: they release dark ink when threatened.
How to Cook Calamari
Squid is perfect for hot, quick cooking methods like grilling, broiling, sautéing, or deep-frying, and can even be eaten raw in sushi. It’s also delicious when braised slowly in white wine, garlic, tomato sauce, or curry. Squid can be bought fresh, canned, frozen, dried, or pickled, and its ink is often used to color pasta and risotto.
The tentacles are edible and commonly served with fried calamari, but the squid’s body is the prime meat. It can be stuffed whole, cut into flat pieces, or sliced into rings for various recipes.
What Does Calamari Taste Like?
Calamari has a firm, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Small fried squid is often firm and chewy, but it should never be rubbery. Fried calamari is usually served with garlicky aioli or marinara sauce for dipping. Squid's versatility allows it to take on the flavor of the dish it's prepared in, making it adaptable to a variety of cuisines.
Calamari Recipes
The mild flavor of calamari makes it a great introduction to seafood. Its versatility and quick cooking time also make it an excellent choice for weeknight meals, offering an alternative to the usual chicken dishes. Classic fried calamari can be served simply with salt and lemon or paired with a flavorful dipping sauce.
Where to Buy Calamari
Once considered a specialty item, squid is now available at most well-stocked grocery stores and fish markets. It is often sold cleaned, especially in the freezer section, though you can always ask your fishmonger to clean it for you if you’d prefer to avoid the task.
Storing Calamari
Squid freezes well, which makes it easy to store. You can buy it frozen at the store or clean fresh squid and freeze it in zip-top bags yourself. Properly stored in the freezer, squid can last for a few months. Cooked squid can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but fried calamari is best enjoyed immediately for the best flavor and texture.
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