20+ Squid Recipes to Cook Up! (Calamari Recipes)

Move over, shrimp and salmon, there’s a new seafood vying for your plate’s attention: squid! Often relegated to fried rings or calamari appetizers, this versatile ingredient absolutely deserves more attention in the kitchen. Here are 20+ easy squid recipes to try out!

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The mention of “squid” might not immediately ignite taste bud fireworks, but trust me, it’s time to reconsider…

Squid boasts a mild, briny flavor that readily absorbs the essence of spices and sauces, making it a chameleon in the kitchen.

From tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites to satisfyingly crispy textures, squid can be prepared in countless ways with unique flavors.

The BEST Recipes Using Squid

Overhead shot of plate of squid ink pasta.
This recipe for Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp & Cherry Tomatoes only looks fancy. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes and the flavor is delicious!
Squid Ink Pasta
Fried calamari is one of the most classic appetizers made of lightly battered rings of squid quickly fried and served with a marinara sauce.
Recipe: Will Cook For Smiles
Fried Calamari
This Stir-Fried Squid with Black Bean Sauce is incredibly rich and tasty. A must-try for seafood lovers!
Recipe: Karen's Kitchen Stories
Stir-Fried Squid with Black Bean Sauce
Italian calamari salad is the easiest make-ahead dish for the feast of the seven fishes. Calamari, crispy celery, green olives, roasted red peppers, and red onion are tossed in a lemony vinaigrette — so refreshing!
Recipe: Sip and Feast
Italian Calamari Salad
These puttanesca-style sautéed squid rings are paired with garlic, olives, sundried tomatoes, and herbs. An easy, healthy squid recipe!
Recipe: Walder Wellness
Puttanesca-Style Sautéed Squid
Squid curry- tender calamari rings simmered in a wonderfully spicy, fragrant coconut milk based sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
Recipe: Krumpli
Squid Curry with Coconut and Tamarind
This Italian stuffed calamari recipe is baked in a rich tomato sauce with savory Italian sausage breadcrumb stuffing. A classic Sicilian dish that is perfect for the holidays!
Recipe: Scarlati Family Kitchen
Italian Stuffed Calamaria
This crispy air fryer calamari is soaked in buttermilk, breaded in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and served with lemon wedges and marinara!
Recipe: Scarlati Family Kitchen
Air Fryer Calamari
These Calamari Tacos are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside with tangy creamy slaw wrapped in a lightly charred mini soft taco.
Recipe: My Sugar Free Kitchen
Calamari Tacos
Hawaiian Poke — A protein-packed authentic Hawaiian seafood salad you can make on the mainland.
Recipe: A Spicy Perspective
Hawaiian Poke
This Vietnamese Stuffed Calamari is a great appetizer for dinner parties. The calamari is stuffed with ground pork, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Recipe: Cooking Therapy
Vietnamese Stuffed Calamari
Greek-style whole Grilled Squid. One of the best seafood dishes to cook on the grill. With quick marinade and lemon-olive oil dressing.
Recipe: Real Greek Recipes
Grilled Squid
This tasty Stuffed Squid with Rice dish is served along with a very flavorful and rich tomato sauce that’s perfect for bread dipping!
Recipe: Real Greek Recipes
Stuffed Squid with Rice and Vegetables
Hearty, saucy, squid in tomato sauce. One of the best and easiest ways to cook tender squid or calamari!
Recipe: Real Greek Recipes
Tender Squid in Tomato Sauce
Jjamppong is a spicy Korean seafood noodle soup. Try this delicious and easy Jjamppong recipe that’s authentic and tastes better than Korean restaurants.
Recipe: Rasa Malaysia
Korean Seafood Noodle Soup
Treat yourself to a delightful culinary experience with this lemon butter squid linguine recipe. It's love at first bite!
Recipe: Bev Cooks
Squid Piccata
This Squid Ink Pasta looks fancy but is easy to make, with simple ingredients! Ready in 30 minutes, it’s filling and full of flavor.
Recipe: A Full Living
Squid Ink Pasta with Calamari
A light refreshing calamari salad made with squid, fresh lemon, celery, red onion, roasted peppers, garlic and parsley.
Recipe: Skinny Taste
Chilled Calamari Salad
Seafood Risotto is a simple recipe made in one pan using fresh or frozen seafood mix. A beautiful family meal for all seasons.
Recipe: Jerne J Kitchen
Seafood Risotto
Vietnamese squid cake on toast is a quick and fun appetizer. It has a crispy layer of sandwich bread and a flavorful layer of tasty squid cake.
Recipe: Delightful Plate
Vietnamese Squid Toast
This Vietnamese-style grilled squid with sate sauce is spicy and aromatic. A quick and easy dish to add to your family dinner as well as your BBQ party.
Recipe: Delightful Plate
Spicy Grilled Squid
This quick and easy restaurant-quality Grilled Squid Salad features squid cooked quickly over high heat to give it a little char and aroma. It is then tossed with plenty of refreshing herbs, roasted nuts and dressing for more flavors and textures.
Recipe: Delightful Plate
Grilled Squid Salad with Fresh Herbs

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these squid recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Ingredient Guides

Did you Make Any of These Calamari Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of recipes using squid. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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PS – Be sure to check out these 15+ Dipping Sauces for Calamari and 20+ Calamari Side Dishes too!

Collage of squid recipes.

20+ BEST Squid Recipes

Move over, shrimp and salmon, there's a new seafood vying for your plate's attention: squid! Often relegated to fried rings or calamari appetizers, this versatile ingredient absolutely deserves more attention in the kitchen. Here are 20+ easy squid recipes to try out! Try this Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp & Cherry Tomatoes.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  
  • In a large skillet heat olive oil on medium-high heat until hot. Add the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1-2 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until dark red. Add the cherry tomatoes, white wine, ¼ cup water and red pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened.
  • Cook the pasta to al dente, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta.
  • While the pasta cooks, add the shrimp to tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until cooked. 
  • Add the cooked pasta, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice and half the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet with the shrimp & tomatoes. Cook, stirring frequently, 2-3 minutes, or until the pasta is coated in the sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste. (If the sauce seems dry, add in some of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.) Turn off the heat and stir in half the basil.
  • Garnish with remaining basil and serve.

Notes

This black pasta is best eaten right away. However, if you have leftovers, they will keep in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container for a couple days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
To make without alcohol, simply add in a little extra lemon juice at the end, if needed. 
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 570kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 315mg | Sodium: 1087mg | Potassium: 433mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 895IU | Vitamin C: 52.6mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 6.3mg

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