What’s the difference between Squid and Calamari?

Squid or calamari? Both cephalopods offer a unique seafood flavour.

Have you ever been to a seafood restaurant and noticed the terms ‘squid’ and ‘calamari’ used interchangeably on the menu? It’s a common culinary confusion that many people encounter, and today, we’re here to shed some light on the matter. From baby squid and Northern calamari to Southern calamari and Gould’s squid, here we take a deep dive to discover what makes them unique and how they are commonly prepared.

Squid vs. Calamari: Unravelling the Distinction

Terminology

• Squid – The term ‘squid’ is used in a general sense and refers to various species of cephalopods that belong to the Teuthida order. They are widespread in the world’s oceans and come in different sizes, with long tentacles and distinct tube-like bodies.
• Calamari – The word ‘calamari’ is more of a culinary name rather than a biological classification. It specifically denotes squid that’s suitable for human consumption and is often used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines.

Your next culinary masterpiece starts with these cleaned squid tubes and your choice of flavours.

Physical characteristics

• No external shells – Squid and calamari have no external shells like their distant cousins, the cuttlefish. This makes them versatile and easy to cook since there’s no need to remove any hard outer casing.
• Texture – While both squid and calamari hail from the same family, their textures distinctly set them apart. Squid typically presents a tougher, more resilient bite, whereas calamari boasts a tender and delicate mouthfeel.

Geographical differences

The terminology for squid and calamari can vary depending on the region and species being referred to. Derived from the Italian word for ‘squid’, ‘calamari’ is the term English-speaking communities often adopt when discussing squid in culinary settings. Notably, when one dines in East Asian restaurants, the straightforward term ‘squid’ is more commonly used instead of ‘calamari’. This linguistic differentiation is fascinating, given that there are hundreds of squid species swimming in our oceans. However, those species chosen for the beloved calamari dishes are typically under a foot in length.

What’s the premium squid product in Australia? Two words: Southern calamari.

Cooking methods

A versatile delicacy, calamari lends itself to various world cuisines. Whether you purchase it pre-cleaned and cut—either thawed or frozen—from seafood shops, Asian markets, or supermarkets, or prefer to buy it whole for a personal touch, there are numerous ways to incorporate calamari into your dishes.

• Fried Calamari: A crowd-favorite appetiser, fried calamari is prepared by slicing the body into cross-sections, often including the lengthy tentacles, battering, and then deep-frying them. Paired with lemon wedges and marinara sauce, or mingled with an assortment of seafood and veggies in a fritto misto, it’s a treat for the palate.
• Grilled Calamari: For a smoky flavour, consider grilling calamari. Brush the pieces with a quality extra-virgin olive oil, season, and grill. To ensure the calamari remains tender, it’s an option to boil it for about an hour before giving it a brief grill for that desired char.
• Raw Delights: In Japan, pristine fresh squid finds its way into delectable dishes like nigiri sushi, sashimi, or ika sōmen (finely sliced raw squid noodles).
• Braised Calamari: Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of calamari braised in a broth or marinara. Slow cooking in such liquids not only infuses the calamari with deep flavours but also ensures its tenderness, saving it from turning excessively chewy.
• Sautéed to Perfection: For a quick fix, sauté calamari in a pan over high heat. Combine it with olive oil, a zest of lemon juice, and garlic slices, and you’ve got a delightful dish in minutes.
• Calamari in Paella: Elevate a traditional Spanish paella—comprising short-grained rice, broth, sofrito, herbs, and an array of meats and seafood—by adding calamari into the mix.

Some dishes call for raw, easy-to-cook squid tentacles.

Where to Buy Calamari/Squid

If you’re eager to try your hand at cooking with squid or calamari, you might be wondering where to find these delightful sea creatures. Fortunately, they are widely available from both local and online stores.

• Local seafood markets – Visit your nearest seafood market for a bounty of squid varieties—ocean fresh or cleaned and ready to cook.
• Supermarkets – Many supermarkets carry frozen squid, which is a great option if fresh squid isn’t available. Check the frozen food aisles for pre-breaded calamari rings that you can easily cook at home.
• Online seafood marketplaces – These days, online seafood marketplaces are getting more and more popular because of the extensive range of ocean-produce they offer and the convenience they provide. As Australia’s trusted source for ocean fresh seafood, Manettas brings you a curated selection of the finest seafood directly from the coast to your table.
• Seafood restaurants – Seafood-focused eateries often source premium calamari/squid, offering you a chance to enjoy expertly prepared dishes before deciding to cook it at home. 
• Specialty seafood stores – Some specialty stores might carry a variety of calamari options, from whole to sliced and pre-cooked.

These Loligo squid curl up beautifully when cooked—just what you need for a mouthwatering presentation.

Squid Recipes

Once you have your hands on some fresh squid, it’s time to explore delightful recipes. Here are a few popular options:

• Grilled squid with garlic and lemon – Marinate squid in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and herbs, then grill to perfection. It’s a flavourful and healthy dish.
• Squid ink pasta – Get adventurous with squid ink pasta, a unique and visually striking option that pairs perfectly with seafood-based sauces.
• Fried squid – Coat tender squid rings in a delicate batter, fry them to a golden crisp and serve alongside a tangy dipping sauce for a tantalising explosion of flavour.
• Slow-cooked squid stew – Cook your squid low and slow in a rich tomato sauce until tender and serve with crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Check out these crispy squid rings from Manettas.

Calamari Recipes

Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with these delicious recipes:

• Fried Italian calamari – Cover clean calamari rings in a seasoned flour mixture, then deep-fry them until golden and crispy. This fried calamari dish is an unbeatable appetiser.
• Calamari salad – Toss cooked calamari with a refreshing mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, olives and a zesty dressing for a light and flavourful salad.
• Calamari and white wine pasta – Cook calamari with garlic and white wine, then toss with al dente pasta for an elegant and satisfying meal.

How about some pineapple cut squid steaks for your stir frys and salads?

The takeaway

In the vast realm of seafood, the distinctions between squid and calamari, though subtle, are vital for the discerning palate. Their unique textures, culinary applications, and regional nomenclatures make them standout delicacies in many world cuisines. Whether you’re aiming to impress with a grilled calamari salad or want to indulge in some crispy fried squid, understanding their differences can enhance your culinary journey.