Here at Costas Inn, one of the items we have on our menu is calamari. You might recognize it on seafood menus and from the grocery store if you know where to look.
Here at Costas Inn, one of the items we have on our menu is calamari. You might recognize it on seafood menus and from the grocery store if you know where to look. For many people, though they’re not exactly seafood connoisseurs. So if you have questions about what calamari is, don’t worry — we’ve got the answers!
What Is It?
Calamari is the Italian word for squid. It’s also the same word in Spanish. Although over 300 species of squid exist, there are fewer than a dozen types that are used for food. It’s related to the cuttlefish and the octopus, but think about this way: when offered fresh squid or calamari, which would you rather choose? Calamari sounds more appetizing, even though there’s no actual difference.
How Does It Taste?
White squid meat is both firm and mild. It tastes sweet and almost nutty. Although fried squid is firm and chewy, it shouldn’t be rubbery. Garlic aioli and marinara dipping sauce are common accompaniments.
Example Recipes
Squid has a mild flavor, so it’s good for any newcomers who haven’t tried seafood before. You can swap it in for chicken if you’re looking for weeknight meal prep ideas. Fried calamari goes well with salt, lemon, and dipping sauces. But you can also sear it and garnish it with parsley and garlic or plainly season it with some salt and pepper.
Tips for Storage
Compared to other types of seafood, squid freezes quite well. You can either buy it frozen from the store, or clean it and freeze it on your own – it all comes down to what is more convenient for you. It can keep for several months as long as it remains solidly frozen. Once you cook it, you can store it in the fridge for the next few days. If you intend on deep-frying it, though, you should try to eat it once it’s ready.
YOUR SEAFOOD DESTINATION
Costas Inn has been a Baltimore tradition since 1971. You may recognize our restaurant, which was recently featured on the Food Network with Michael Symon on Burgers, Brew, and ‘Que! We were also voted the 2015 #1 Baltimore Seafood Restaurant by USA Today, as well as #1 Crab Restaurant 2014 in the Baltimore Business Journal. You may have also spotted Costas Inn during one of our 9 appearances on the Today Show or heard one of our many interviews on WJZ TV Channel 13 with Ron Matz and Marty Bass.
You can enjoy our famous crab cakes in-house or order them online for any time eating. We also provide some of the best seafood catering in the Baltimore area! You can also get your fill from Costas even when you’re not in our dining room: follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Tags: calamari, menu items, seafood facts
