Straight from the pantry
What Can I Make with Calamari?
Calamari is squid, tender when cooked fast or slow. Try it crisp and fried, quickly sautéed, or simmered in a rich sauce.
Cooking with calamari
Calamari is squid, usually sold as rings and tentacles. It has a mild taste and a pleasant chew. It cooks well two ways: very quickly over high heat, or slowly in a sauce. In between, it can turn tough.
That makes it different from its seafood neighbors. Shrimp and scallops are done fast and stay juicy. Crab is just warmed. Mussels steam open in a pot. Calamari is the one that likes either a quick fry or a long simmer, and it is lovely with lemon, garlic and tomato.
Questions folks ask
Is calamari the same as squid?
Yes. Calamari is the word often used for squid when it is served as food.
Why is my calamari chewy?
It was likely cooked for a middling time. Cook it fast and hot, or simmer it slowly until tender.
Can I buy it already cleaned?
Yes. Cleaned rings and tentacles, fresh or frozen, save a lot of time.
Kitchen tips
- Pat the rings dry before frying or sautéing.
- Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot.
- Cook for only a minute or two, or simmer gently for a long time.
- Keep tentacles and rings together for a nice mix.
- Serve fried calamari right away with lemon.