Love It or Hate It?

[Dib's]

Calamari.

I think it's like chewing on rubber o-rings. I hate it!

If you "Love It" what recipe or method do you use?

[Chocolatl]

I don't hate it, but it bores me. I think it tastes more like rubber bands, though.

[duonyte]

I rarely make it myself, but I've had good fried calamari at some restaurants - the best ones were at restaurants where the rings were soaked in milk before cooking (I asked the servers).

The only recipe I regularly make is this one, Potato and Baby Squid Stew
.

[Iron Bloomers]

This is truly a hate it or love it & a lot depends on how it's cooked. If done poorly with thick coating or if it's overcooked it's a terrible experience.
I don't make it for just me..it's too large a package to purchase for one & just not something I'd do at home.

To be done right the coating should "almost" be there, thin & once cooked should be crisp & seasoned but again lightly, the whole cooking process should be done in a flash...overcooking results in those 'rubber bands' everyone complains about. The best I have ever had was a place in Virginia Beach they were light, crisp, tender & sweet; the coating could barely be seen & was flecked with black pepper, lemon wedges served at the side.

[Chocolatl]

They say that squid should be cooked "a minute or an hour." Seems like I always get something in between!

[Iron Bloomers]

Chocolatl wrote:
They say that squid should be cooked "a minute or an hour." Seems like I always get something in between!

Yup, it's either flash cooked or low & slow....otherwise...rubber bands!

[Dee514]

Iron Bloomers wrote:

Chocolatl wrote:
They say that squid should be cooked "a minute or an hour." Seems like I always get something in between!

Yup, it's either flash cooked or low & slow....otherwise...rubber bands!

Agreed!

[Chocolatl]

I also don't think it has a lot of flavor, but that could also be because it was incorrectly cooked.

[*Parsley*]

Love it!!!

[Chicagoland Chef du Jour]

Love it when it's done "just right". Not an easy task

[K9 Owned]

It isn't something I'd make at home but I love to order it when we go out. I have had the rubber bands but also some wonderful Calamari. I like it the way IB mentioned - barely coated and fried or my new favorite way - grilled. We have had it grilled twice now at our local Italian place and really enjoyed it.

[Terese]

It's quite simple really, if your calamari tastes like rubber then its overcooked, when cooked right it should be tender and succulent.

[Shimm]

Yees! I love it! But the most people don't cook it perfectly.
Here in Cagliari(Sardinia), we like to eat fried, with only eggs and flour (or sparkling water and flour).

[Kerfuffle-Upon-Wincle]

I can't say I hate it, but after trying it a few times, I'd pass it up for something more flavorful! Maybe scallops ~ or shrimp!

[Chocolatl]

Kerfuffle-Upon-Wincle wrote:
I can't say I hate it, but after trying it a few times, I'd pass it up for something more flavorful! Maybe scallops ~ or shrimp!

Mind if I join you?