Squid is a popular food in many parts of the world.

In many of the languages around the Mediterranean sea, squid are referred to by a term related to the Italian ‘calamari’ (singular ‘calamaro’), which in English has become a culinary name for Mediterranean dishes involving squid, especially fried squid (‘fried calamari’).

Fried Squid (Calamari Rings)

Fried squid, often called ‘fried calamari’ or even just ‘calamari’, is popular in the cuisine of many Mediterranean countries. It consists of batter-coated, deep fried squid, often fried for less than two minutes to prevent it from becoming too tough. It is usually served plain, with salt and lemon on the side.

In North America, it is a staple in many Italian, Greek, and seafood restaurants, as well as a snack at some bars. It is often served as an appetizer, garnished with parsley, or occasionally sprinkled lightly with parmesan cheese. It is usually served with a dip of some sort, most often peppercorn mayonnaise, tzatziki, or in the United States, marinara sauce. In Mexico it is often served with Tabasco sauce or habanero. Other dips, such as ketchup, aioli, or olive oil, are sometimes served as well. Like many seafood dishes, it is usually served with a slice of lemon, the juice of which may be squeezed over the dish if desired.

In Australia, fried calamari is a common and popular menu item in fish and chip shops, however imitation calamari consisting of white fish is often used. In Chinese cuisine, the squid is often diced, coated in a salt and pepper batter and served with a spicy hot garnishing of chili and salt.