Calamari is restaurant code for squid prepared for the table. The texture rule is simple: cook under two minutes at high heat, or stew gently for a long time. Medium timing produces rubber bands.
Use this page to buy cleaner whole squid, order better fried rings, and connect to Mediterranean and Asian city guides.
Also called
Squid · Calamari · Ika · Calamar · Chipirón
Best cooking methods
Flash fry rings · High-heat grill · Slow stew / ragu · Salt & pepper wok fry
Cleaning and cuts
Tubes for rings or stuffed squid, tentacles for grill and fry, and ink for sauces where offered. Fresh squid smells clean and ocean-sweet; ammonia notes mean walk away.
Where to eat great squid
Mediterranean fry houses, Spanish chipirones, Japanese ika preparations, and Singaporeed squid dishes all depend on hot oil or hot metal — not a lukewarm fryer.