What Is Calamari and How Can I Use It?

Wondering what to do with calamari? This guide covers how to pick it, cook it, store it, and swap it — with 8 recipes to put it to work.

Recipes using calamari

There are 8 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Catalan Saute of Calamari (Squid) in Onion Marmalade

Tender calamari rings tossed with slow-caramelized onion marmalade infused with chile oil. A simple, elegant Catalan appetizer served with crusty French bread.

Best Shellfish Stew Alla Tarantina

Shellfish stew alla Tarantina, a Southern Italian seafood feast of mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari, and oysters in a garlicky tomato-and-wine broth, ladled over bread to soak up every drop.

Tagliatelle with Red Seafood Sauce

Shrimp, cod, and calamari sautéed with garlic and tossed with tagliatelle in a simmered tomato-wine sauce with mussels on top. A showstopping Italian seafood pasta for a crowd.

One Hour Calamari in Umido with Ramp Bruchetta

Slow-braised calamari in umido with garlic, white wine, crushed chili, and tomato sauce, served with grilled ramp bruschetta and fresh marjoram.

Calamari Ripieno Alla Griglia

Grilled stuffed calamari filled with garlicky sun-dried tomato breadcrumbs, thyme, and parsley. Topped with a fresh Roma tomato and chive sauce. An impressive Italian seafood main course.

Ramp Ravioli with One-Hour Calamari

Ramp ravioli pair grilled-wild-leek filling with tender one-hour slow-cooked calamari in olive oil. A springtime Italian pasta showcasing foraged ramps at their peak.

Seattle-Style Cioppino

Seattle-style cioppino loaded with Dungeness crab, mussels, red snapper, shrimp, and calamari in a red wine sweet pepper sauce. A Pacific Northwest seafood stew that feeds 8.

Fresh Pasta with Tomatoes & Calamari

Homemade squid ink pasta tossed with fried calamari, roasted Roma tomatoes, and a Parmesan-Romano cream sauce. A striking black pasta dish made from scratch with semolina flour.

All 8 recipes