The main difference between calamari and squid is that calamari is smaller in size and has fins running throughout the length of the full-body, whereas squid is larger in size and usually has two shorter fins.
Both calamari and squid have an ink sack which they use for self-defence. Furthermore, both species have side fins. Squids naturally have arrow-like flaps towards the narrow end of their bodies in contrast to the triangular flaps of calamari. In brief, calamari flesh is usually more tender than squid when it is cooked.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Calamari
– Definition, Features, Cooking
2. What is Squid
– Definition, Features, Cooking
3. Similarities Between Calamari and Squid
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Calamari and Squid
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Calamari, Seafood, Squid
What is Calamari
Calamari is a type of squid. Just like squids, calamari is also a part of the mollusc family. Therefore, calamari does not possess external shells; instead, they have ink sacs used for their defence against predators. The arrangement of fins is a major difference between calamari and squid; calamari has fins running throughout the length of the full-body, whereas squid usually has two shorter fins.
Calamari is smaller in size than squid, making their flesh naturally more delicate. Therefore, calamari can be best prepared more quickly using cooking methods such as grilling, pan-frying or deep-frying.
What is Squid
Squid is a mollusc found in almost all of the world’s oceans. There are different varieties of squids varying in size, from very small to huge, deep-water squids such as the giant squid. If you pay a visit to the local fish market, you will come across different varieties of extremely clean squids imported from Asia, the USA, and NZ.
The rules we usually follow when cooking squid and calamari are quite similar. However, squid flesh is thicker; therefore, meat should be cooked either for a short time on high heat using cooking methods such as grilling, deep-frying or barbecuing or for a longer period on a low flame such as braising. If the squid is either undercooked or overcooked, the meat will be tougher and will lose the delicate texture. However, when cooking squids, scoring would help the heat to penetrate through the squid meat quickly and evenly. This would ultimately speed up the cooking process, securing the texture expected from well-cooked squid meat.
Similarities Between Calamari and Squid
- Calamari and squid are seafood delicacies popular all around the world.
- Both calamari and squid belong to the family of molluscs.
- These species have an ink sack which they use for self-defence.
- Furthermore, both species have side fins.
Difference Between Calamari and Squid
Definition
Squid is a mollusc with naturally arrow-like flaps towards the narrow end of its body, while calamari is another member of the mollusc family, having triangular flaps.
Size
Calamari is typically smaller in size than squid.
Features
Squids’ side fins are shorter compared to calamari fins which are of full body length. Squids naturally have arrow-like flaps towards the narrow end of their bodies in contrast to the triangular flaps of calamari.
Texture
When cooked, calamari is usually more tender than squid.
Methods of Cooking
Usually, squid meat is slow-cooked for a longer period compared to calamari meat, which is usually grilled, pan-fried or deep-fried.
Conclusion
The main difference between calamari and squid is that calamari is smaller in size compared to squids. Further, calamari meat is comparatively more delicate when cooked in contrast to the tougher texture of squid meat. However, if you are a seafood lover, both squid and calamari would be obvious delicacies you would love to see included in your meal.
Reference:
1. “Easy Squid Recipes.” Olive Magazine, 16 Aug. 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Calamari-fish-food-meal-italy-3147644” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Raw-Food-Food-Seafood-Squid-1428735” (CC0) via Max Pixel
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