How to Cook Squid

There are several good reasons to learn how to cook squid. While squid might not be an overly common ingredient in the United States, there are many cultures and sub cultures where squid is considered quite a delicacy. Even in the mainstream United States, a food like squid is becoming far more mainstream than it was even twenty years ago. Call it squid or call it calamari, but this dish is increasingly popular and available in many restaurants.

Some people find they genuinely like the taste of squid. Others appreciate the squid as a fine delicacy, and there are other people who don't know whether they like squid or not, but are eager to try. If you're looking to score some bonus points, then learning to cook squid is not only an interesting skill to pick up, but it can definitely impress friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, as well.

A lot of people can grill a good steak or barbecue some chicken, but how many people do you know who can properly prepare and cook squid? That's a skill that will make you stand out.

There are several different ways to prepare squid. This section can't possibly cover all the various ways there are out there to cook calamari and squid, but it can give a general overview of some of the more common styles out there that you may run into when looking for a good recipe to cook squid.

Fried Squid: This is one of the more common ways (at least in America) that squid is prepared. There are actually several different methods to frying squid, but almost all involve some batter and flavoring. It might not be deep fat fried calamari, but with several different ways to fry squid, there should be a method of seasoning that hits you as just right.

Baked squid: You don't see this method as often, and many times when squid is baked it is either chopped up and stuffed in something, or opened up and stuffed with something. This is by far and away the most common scenario for baking squid, although frying, stewing, and grilling are still the more common methods for preparing this dish.

Grilled squid: This method isn't overly common, but there are some ways to grill squid, most recommend a strong marinade, maybe even overnight, to help the squid absorb some additional flavor before tossing it out on the grill.

Stewed squid: There are many different styles of this. This can be done with a normal seafood stew or chowder to something Cajun like jambalaya. Just remember that squid's texture is different from chicken, turkey, and beef, so cook accordingly.

Those are just a few of many ways that squid can be prepared, Find one that sounds appealing and keep practicing until you get the recipe down stat!

After you decided on which style of squid cooking that you want to engage in, make sure to get all the necessary utensils and cooking tools that you need in order to prepare the dish. There are many very different ways to prepare squid, from sushi style calamari to breading and deep fat frying and a lot of space in between. You can find great recipes online, as well as in specialized cookbooks like for sea food, Japanese cuisine, or even some booklets just on cooking squid. There are few cookbooks that are solely on squid, although some pamphlets can be found. So think of the cuisine this cooking belongs to and look around to get the best that's out there. So look around, experiment, and enjoy!