It’s Delicious, but Do You Know What Animal Is Calamari?

Calamari is a seafaring delicacy – a delightful, slightly sweet, overarchingly tender strip of seafood that can be served in various ways. Whether you order it batter-dipped and fried until golden brown or prefer it sautéed and served on a bed of pasta, there’s no wrong choice regarding how you consume a helping of calamari.

Yet, like American hot dogs or McDonald’s chicken nuggets, some people might not even know what calamari is, especially when figuring out which animal it originates from. Fortunately, this helpful guide will tackle all your critical culinary questions regarding this savory treat, including how best to prepare it, its international origins, and (most obviously) what animal it is in the first place.

So… What Is Calamari, Anyway?

Just as pig is referred to as pork and cow as beef in the kitchen, calamari is the culinary term for squid, plain and simple. The name originally comes from the literal Italian translation for squid, adjusted to take on the plural form of the word rather than the singular “calamaro.” Most squids used in calamari recipes are relatively small, allowing chefs to prepare the whole body instead of using bits and pieces for cooking.

In most cases, the exact species of squid used for calamari depends on geographic location. However, the California market squid and the Longfin inshore squid are two of the more popular species used in American cooking. (And in case you’re wondering, octopus is never used when preparing traditional calamari; despite squids and octopus being classified as cephalopods, every calamari recipe strictly calls for squid.)

What Part of Squid Is Used in Calamari?

Since squid are invertebrates, every inch of the animal is used to prepare calamari. The chef cuts the squid’s body into longer, ring-shaped strips in almost every restaurant. In some restaurants, the squid’s tentacles are also used in the recipe, usually pared down to a size that’s more easily digestible for the average diner.

What Does It Taste Like?

In contrast to most seafood, calamari lacks the distinctly fishy taste of aquatic dishes like cod, halibut, or scallops. Instead, it has a taste and consistency, unlike any other seafood recipe. If adequately prepared, perfectly cooked calamari should be slightly chewy, with a milder taste that takes on the flavor of whatever sauce it’s paired with. 

If improperly prepared, bad calamari can become incredibly rubbery, maintaining a tougher consistency that can feel like you’re chewing a deep-fried rubber band. Often, this is a direct result of either the subpar quality of the squid being used in the recipe or because it’s been either over- or undercooked by the chef behind the counter.

What Nationality Is Calamari?

At its earliest inception, calamari was a popular dish commonly cooked in Italian kitchens. Over the years, the recipe has since migrated to several neighboring countries, including Spain, where it’s often served as a shareable tapas appetizer (where it’s known as calamares a la andaluza or simply calamares fritos).

As most American diners know, calamari has also become a favorite item of numerous bars and restaurants across the U.S., where it’s often delegated to the appetizer section of coastal or casual dining menus.

How Is It Usually Served?

In most cases, calamari is almost always served batter-dipped and lightly fried. A dependably delicious appetizer in most American restaurants, the resulting crunchy creation is served alongside several potential dipping sauces, such as spicy mayo, tartar sauce, garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, and – most popularly – housemade marinara.

Alternatively, in certain seafood and Italian restaurants, calamari can be cooked in various ways. Whether grilling or sautéing the squid rings until they’re light and tender, many of these establishments serve these non-fried calamari dishes over pasta. While you can use virtually any pasta sauce to accompany this variation of calamari, some of the best options include a spicy fra diavolo sauce or a simple marinara blend.

Where Can I Order Some?

Having read this far, your stomach might be starting to rumble, and your mouth is beginning to salivate. With that being said, you might be asking yourself the big question: Where on Earth can I grab a piping hot plate of calamari with all possible speed?

Fortunately, calamari has become an iconic dish here in the States, with many restaurants serving it as an appetizer in bars and casual and upscale dining institutions all over the country (namely at restaurants along the coastal shoreline).

As mentioned above, many Italian and seafood restaurants also include calamari on their menu, either as an appetizer or as the basis for a main course. No matter where it’s served or how it’s prepared, calamari remains a fantastic addition to virtually every meal, ensuring a memorably decadent seafood dish packed with flavor in every bite.