Squid is the most typical appetizer in all of Spain. Wherever you go, be it a restaurant, bar or tavern, you will find squid and its different variants on any menu.
For tourists, traveling to Madrid and not eating a squids sandwich with mayonnaise is a sin. The Plaza Mayor and its surroundings are full of bars where you can enjoy this spectacular tapas. If you live outside of Spain and want to enjoy this aperitif of ours, here you can see our entire offer with free shipping to all of Europe.
But you can not only find them in Madrid, they are typical anywhere in Spain. And if I tell you the truth … my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
What kind of fish is squid?
We all know that squid come from the sea, but could someone tell me what kind of fish it is?
Squid is a type of shellfish that belongs to the group of mollusks. Specifically, it is a marine cephalopod similar to the octopus. Like all cephalopods, squids have a different head, bilaterally symmetrical with a mantle and its tentacles, which vary depending on the squid race, but normally have eight arms and 2 tentacles.
The most common way to prepare them is cut into rings and cooked on the grill, stuffed or stewed. But the ones that stand out the most are the squid a la romana, usually battered and fried; and the squid in its ink, with a special cuttlefish ink to give it that differential taste.
Squids like in bars
We have told you some classic and popular ways about how squids are made in bars in our country, but now is the time to focus on the types of squid and variants offered by Gastronomic Spain, the largest online store of Spanish food.
Most of them you can serve, both as an aperitif or as a main dish accompanied by some garnish.
Squid in ink
Squid in ink is one of the most traditional dishes of our gastronomic culture. Rich, tasty and a delight for our palate.
Squid ink is a kind of dark pigment that some cephalopods give off. It is usually used mainly in the kitchen, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. Its black color makes the dishes have a characteristic color. Black rice is one of the star dishes, which contains squid in its ink. A true Mediterranean show.
Squids in American Sauce
Squid in American sauce is another way to enjoy squid is with American Sauce. After being cooked, they are tender and delicious, and with that characteristic spicy touch of the sauce.
It is made in a simple way from a sauce and then the squid are cooked in it until they are juicy and ready for consumption.
With stuffed in its ink
Squids are squid of medium or small size. Specifically, squids stuffed with its ink, it is a classic of our cuisine. They are known as the squid of La Ría, of which shiny and translucent specimens come out, full of ink and with an impressive flavor.
With stuffed in American sauce
Squids stuffed in American sauce is a dish that captivates anyone. It is one of the appetizers that breaks with the traditional. Its sauce, based on tomato and chopped onion, gives the perfect touch so that the squid is juicy, tender and tasty.
Squids VS Octopus
It is more than normal that many of you confuse octopus and squid. In fact they are very similar, but they have some notable differences.
They belong to the same family of cephalopod mollusks. They both have veined tentacles, have three hearts, and shed ink.
Among the most notable difference are the legs, octopuses have eight arms, like squid, but two tentacles are added to the latter.
While other of the most outstanding differences is their habitat, the octopus prefers to live in crows and the squids in the open sea, so their life span is longer.
Octopus and squid in Gastronomic Spain
In Gastronomic Spain, in addition to finding some exquisite squid, and prepared for consumption, you will also find octopus and some variants, such as squid and squid.
Cooked octopus
Cooked octopus is one of the most consumed mollusks in Spain, in such a way that it almost borders on adoration for this product. Cooked octopus has a great nutritional contribution and a high mineral content. Iodine is one of the most abundant.
What is clear is that cooked octopus takes the Michelin star within its group and variants, since its flavor goes beyond the screen.
Pacific poton tentacles a la gallega
The Galician Pacific tentacles are made with the dosidicus gigas tentacles, sunflower oil and salt. It is a perfect marine snack, 100% natural, without added colorants or preservatives.
Its traditional recipe is Galician octopus, but it can also be made with Pacific squids tentacles.
Rejos in Sunflower Oil
The squid rejos in Sunflower Oil in another of the star dishes of our gastronomy, specifically from the Galician area.
Comes from the tentacles of the Pacific squid and its pieces are seasoned with sunflower oil and salt, thus creating an unmistakable flavor.
It is distinguished because its arms are found in the upper part of the body, also recognized as squid legs.
Stuffed baby in American sauce
The stuffed in American sauce is very similar to squid in American sauce. In fact the sauce is the same, with that touch of the sauce. This sauce contains tomato, sunflower oil, onion, modified corn starch, spices and salt.
Perfect for any snack!
Where can I buy squids outside of Spain?
Now that we have explained all the products offered at Gastronomic Spain, you know where you can buy squid if you live outside of Spain. Check our website, specifically the squid and octopus section, and immerse yourself in the gastronomic marine world.
But also, if you are also a lover of Iberian products, such as Iberian ham or Iberian chorizo, or you are looking for the most typical products of Spanish gastronomy, you have come to the perfect place. In our online store you will find all those you are looking for and we will help you to be closer to home.
