You’re at a seafood restaurant, staring at the menu, and there it is again, calamari.
Is this chewy, ring-shaped appetizer made from squid or octopus? This question pops up more often than you’d think.
In this blog, I’ll explain exactly what calamari is, why people confuse it with octopus, and share key differences and similarities between them.
What is Calamari?
The word “calamari” comes from Italian. It literally means “squids” in Italian. Most people know calamari as those golden, crispy rings you see on appetizer menus.
Calamari isn’t just the rings. It includes the whole squid body. The tentacles get served too. Some restaurants chop up the body into strips instead of rings.
Squids are sea creatures with tentacles and no backbone. They’re soft-bodied marine animals that live in oceans worldwide.
When you order calamari, you’re getting squid meat. It’s usually breaded and fried until crispy. Some places grill it or serve it in pasta dishes. The meat has a mild, slightly sweet taste and chewy texture.
Calamari vs. Octopus: Key Differences
People often mix up these two sea creatures. However, squid and octopus exhibit distinct differences that set them apart.
| Feature | Calamari (Squid) | Octopus |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Long, tube-shaped with fins | Round, bulbous head, no fins |
| Arms/Tentacles | 10 total (8 arms + 2 tentacles) | 8 arms only |
| Size | Usually smaller | Often larger |
| Texture When Cooked | Firm and chewy | Tender when cooked right |
| Common Preparation | Fried rings, grilled strips | Braised, grilled whole |
| Cooking Time | Quick cooking (2-3 minutes) | Long, slow cooking needed |
| Menu Names | Called “calamari” | Listed as “octopus” or “polpo” |
| Flavor | Mild, slightly sweet | Richer, more intense taste |
| Price | Generally cheaper | Usually more expensive |
Now the differences are crystal clear. These sea creatures might look similar, but they’re quite different on the plate.
Is Calamari Squid or Octopus?
Calamari is squid, not octopus. Many people get confused, but they are different sea creatures. The facts make it clear.
- Squid meat is firmer and chewier when cooked. The octopus becomes more tender and has a distinct texture and flavor.
- Restaurants use squid for those classic fried rings. Octopus needs longer cooking times and different preparation methods.
- When diners see “calamari” on a menu, it’s always squid. Octopus dishes get labeled as “octopus” or “polpo.”
So next time someone orders calamari, they’ll know they’re getting delicious squid, not octopus. The difference becomes clear once people are informed about the facts.
Why Do People Confuse Calamari with Octopus?
Both creatures belong to the same family, called cephalopods. They share similar features, like tentacles and soft bodies. This family connection initially makes them appear related.
Most people see calamari served as fried rings on restaurant menus. The cooking process completely changes the appearance of the squid.
The tentacles get chopped up or served separately. This makes it hard to identify the original creature.
The confusion makes sense when people consider these factors. But knowing the facts helps clear things up quickly
Which One Is Used in Fried Calamari?
This question frequently arises at seafood restaurants: Is calamari octopus? The answer is clear and backed by practical kitchen reasons.
- Always squid, never octopus: Fried calamari uses only squid. Restaurants never substitute octopus.
- Perfect ring shape: Squid’s tube-like body slices into classic circles; octopus has a round head that doesn’t form rings.
- Customer expectations: People expect golden squid rings when they order calamari. The mild flavor and texture deliver what diners want.
So when people order fried calamari, they’re always getting squid. It’s been the standard choice for decades in kitchens worldwide.
Similarities Between Squid and Octopus
Despite their differences, squid and octopus share many common traits. These similarities explain why people often confuse the two sea creatures.
| Similarity | Squid (calamari) | Octopus |
|---|---|---|
| Animal family | Cephalopod | Cephalopod |
| Body type | Soft-bodied, no bones | Soft-bodied, no bones |
| Habitat | Ocean waters worldwide | Ocean waters worldwide |
| Intelligence | Highly intelligent | Highly intelligent |
| Color changes | Can change colors | Can change colors |
| Defense method | Shoots ink when threatened | Shoots ink when threatened |
| Diet | Carnivore (eats fish, crabs) | Carnivore (eats fish, crabs) |
| Cooking style | Often grilled or fried | Often grilled or braised |
| Nutritional value | High protein, low fat | High protein, low fat |
These shared characteristics make it easy to see why confusion happens. But the differences still make each creature unique in its own way.
Popular Dishes Featuring Calamari
Calamari appears in kitchens worldwide, prepared in countless delicious ways. These five popular recipes showcase the versatility of this beloved seafood.
1. Classic Fried Calamari Rings
Ingredients:
1 lb squid rings, 1 cup flour, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 eggs, salt, pepper, oil for frying
Method:
- Mix flour with salt and pepper.
- Beat eggs with buttermilk.
- Dip the rings in the egg mixture, then coat them with flour.
- Fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Serve with marinara sauce.
2. Grilled Calamari with Lemon
Ingredients:
2 lbs whole squid, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 lemons juiced, 3 garlic cloves minced, fresh herbs, salt, pepper
Method:
- Clean squid thoroughly.
- Mix oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
- Marinate squid for 30 minutes.
- Grill on high heat for 2 minutes per side.
3. Calamari Pasta in Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
1 lb calamari rings, 1 lb pasta, 2 cups crushed tomatoes, 4 garlic cloves, white wine, olive oil, basil
Method:
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add tomatoes and wine.
- Simmer 10 minutes.
- Add calamari for 3 minutes.
- Toss with cooked pasta and fresh basil.
4. Stuffed Calamari
Ingredients:
8 whole squid tubes, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 2 eggs, parsley, garlic, olive oil
Method:
- Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, parsley, and garlic.
- Stuff the mixture into squid tubes.
- Secure with toothpicks.
- Bake at 375°f for 25 minutes.
5. Calamari Salad
Ingredients:
2 lbs cooked calamari rings, celery, red onion, olives, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper
Method:
- Boil calamari for 3 minutes until tender.
- When cooled, thoroughly mix with chopped vegetables, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Chill before serving.
These recipes demonstrate that calamari can be used in a variety of cooking styles, from quick frying to slow braising. Squid adapts to various flavors beautifully.
Wrapping It Up
Now the mystery is solved, that it is calamari squid or octopus. Calamari is squid, plain and simple. The confusion between squid and octopus happens because they’re related sea creatures.
Next time someone sits down at a seafood restaurant, they’ll spot the difference easily. The tentacle count, body shape, and cooking methods all tell the story.
Whether it’s fried rings, grilled strips, or pasta dishes, calamari always means squid.
