Forktionary

Squid

Teuthida Seafood

Squid Seafood

At a Glance

  • Category Seafood

The Forktionary Angle

"Squid can rapidly change its skin color and pattern for camouflage or communication, making it a master of disguise in the ocean."

Definition

A marine cephalopod mollusk with a soft body, eight arms, and two longer tentacles. Popular globally as seafood, often fried or grilled.

Best Cooked Very quickly or very slowly
Global Catch (FAO 2020) ~4.2 million tonnes
Protein Content (raw, per 100g) ~18g

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Squid are:

Mild slightly sweet subtle ocean taste firm and chewy texture if overcooked tender if properly prepared

Chef’s Secret

For supremely tender squid, either cook it very fast (1-2 minutes) over high heat, or very slow (30-60 minutes) in a braise. Anything in between results in rubbery texture.

Best Substitutes

Octopus

richer flavor, tougher
Ratio 1:1

cuttlefish

similar texture, slightly milder
Ratio 1:1

shrimp

texture differs, but can sometimes substitute in stir-fries

Buying Guide

Look for shiny, intact skin and clear eyes. Avoid any strong "fishy" odor. Can be bought fresh or frozen (cleaned).

Culinary Pairings

Lemon garlic chili olive oil tomato parsley white wine

Recipes Using Squid

Voodoo Calamari Ink Pasta image 110
European Main Dish No Shell Fish Low Sodium

Voodoo Calamari Ink Pasta

Experience the magic of our restaurant's latest sensation: Voodoo Calamari Ink Pasta! This wildly popular dish boasts a rich, inky sauce and tender calamari, creating a culinary adventure you won't forget. Chef Eric's secret recipe is now revealed – prepare to impress! Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

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Baked Squid With Garlic Anchovy Pasta image 109
Main Dish Main Ingredient Squid No Shell Fish

Baked Squid With Garlic Anchovy Pasta

A sensational seafood pasta dish! Crispy baked squid, tossed in breadcrumbs and herbs, is paired with a rich and savory garlic anchovy pasta. This recipe, originally from Tracy Seaman's "An Italian Christmas Meal" (Food & Wine, December 1994), is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport you to the Italian coast!

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