A.K.A

calamari

What is it?

A member of the mollusk family, this relative of the octopus has an elongated body and 10 arms. Though they range greatly in size, the squid used in cooking, is on the smaller side with a body just a few inches long. When cooked it has a somewhat chewy texture and a mild flavor some describe as sweet. It can be sautéed, grilled, stir-fried, or deep fried, as in the famous Italian squid dish,calamari fritti.

How to choose:

You can buy squid fresh or frozen, whole and sliced. Fresh squid should have a clean ocen scent and it should look shiny and plump, not deflated. Avoid forzen squid if it shows signs of freezer burn, such as excess ice crystals. Some fish markets sell squid that’s already been cleaned, but you’ll pay extra for it. If you want to save a little money, you can buy whole squid and clean them yourself.

How to prep:

if the squid is already cleaned, it’s a matter of cutting the tentacles and body as your recipe described. The bodies can be cut crosswise to make rings, sliced lengthwise into strips, or left whole for stuffing. To clean squid yourself, start by cutting off the tentacles below the eyes. Flip the tentacles back and squeeze out and discard the beak. Trim off the “wings” on the sides of the body. Starting at the tip of the body, run the dull edge of the knife firmly down the squid to simultaneously peel off much of the membrane, if it hasn’t already been removed, and squeeze out the viscera, including the plastic-like skeleton or “quill.” Rinse the cleaned tentacles and bodies, inside and out, under running water. Cut large tentacles in half.

How to store:

Store fresh squid airtight in the refrigerator and use within a day or two.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Pasta with Calamari, Tomatoes, and Toasted Breadcrumbs

  In Italy, pasta paired with mild-flavored fish is not usually topped with cheese, but breadcrumbs often take its place. Here, the crisp texture and toasty flavor of the crumbs complement…

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  Recipe

  Thai Yellow Curry with Seafood

  The fish and squid rings in this superfast curry cook in just minutes; cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness. Create your own customized curry with the Recipe Maker.

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  Recipe

  Simple Fried Squid

  Fried calamari isn't just an Italian favorite; it's also a popular Spanish tapa. This version is dipped in a simple flour batter and fried until crisp and golden.

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  Recipe

  Grilled Shrimp & Calamari Salad with Arugula & Orange Vinaigrette

  If you don’t like calamari, you can substitute extra shrimp.

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  Recipe

  Thai Seafood Salad (Yum Talay)

  This dish boasts a playful mix of flavors: the natural sweetness of fresh seafood, the breezy notes of cilantro and mint, and the sharp accent of lime juice against a little sizzle…

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  Recipe

  Chickpea, Calamari & Zucchini Salad

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  Recipe

  Bouillabaisse

  For this classic seafood stew you can use whatever combination of fish and shellfish you like, provided you don’t include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, or tuna.