A common question we get asked is “what is the difference between squid and octopus?”.
While we’re not marine biologists, we can tell you that they are cousins!
Both from the Class Cephlapoda, they simply come from a different family.
squid/calamari
Scientific Name: Teuthida (squid)
So, what’s the difference between Squid and Calamari? Calamari is a species of Squid!
It’s easy enough to get confused by it all, but they are both delicious.
We occasionally stock Fresh Arrow Squid and Fresh Calamari. But if we haven’t got either, you can rest assured that we’ll have frozen squid tubes, rings and pineapple cut squid. Squid tubes are great for stuffing and baking, while rings are perfect crumbed and deep-fried. The pineapple cut squid is a good one for frying up, as it is thin and curls up to indicate when it is cooked.
Arrow Squid and Calamari both have a mild flavour. They’re great marinated and fried, stuffed and baked, crumbed and fried - exceptionally versatile. Chuck some in a stir-fry or pasta dish - just be careful not to overcook or it will go rubbery and unpleasant. It really doesn’t need long, two minutes on a high heat will do!
octopus
Scientific Name: Octopoda
Octopus, as per the name, have eight tentacles. You’ll find that it tastes very similar to squid, however the shape and size of Octopus are usually quite different.
We sell frozen tenderised Octopus all year round and occasionally get some fresh hard-head octopus in store. We also sell a variety of Pickled Octopus from TOP Fish, which make for a beautiful snack and great addition to our platters! Octopus tentacles can be put on a skewer and char-grilled for a tasty treat, or treat it like squid and add it to your favourite dishes - just be careful not to overcook it and make it rubbery!
