Calamari substitute

Substitutes for Calamari with ratios

1. 2Cuttlefish

   Close match

   Use the same amount by weight

   Slice the cleaned body into 1/4-inch strips or rings, slightly thinner than you would cut squid because the flesh is thicker.

   What changes

   Best for

   fried calamari, grilling, seafood salad, stews

   Genuinely the same eating experience, and in much of the Mediterranean the two are used interchangeably. Cuttlefish flesh is thicker, whiter and a shade sweeter, so it feels meatier in the mouth. The same rule applies: under 2 minutes or over 30, because the middle range is rubber.

2. 3Pre-cooked octopus, sliced

   Taste and texture differ

   Use the same amount by weight

   Buy octopus already simmered tender, slice the legs into 1/2-inch coins, dry them well, then dredge and fry, or char on the grill.

   What changes

   Best for

   fried seafood platters, grilled seafood, seafood salad, Spanish tapas

   Fries beautifully and holds its shape, with a meatier, denser chew and a more mineral, faintly sweet flavor than squid. The catch is that raw octopus must be tenderized by long simmering first, so this is only a quick swap if you buy it pre-cooked. Vacuum-packed cooked octopus legs are widely sold and make it easy.

3. 4Oyster mushrooms or king oyster mushroom rings (vegan)

   Different taste

   Use the same amount by weight

   Tear oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces, or cut king oyster stems crosswise into 1/2-inch rings and push out the center with a small cutter.

   What changes

   Dredge and fry the same way.

   Best for

   vegan calamari, shellfish allergy versions, appetizers, fritto misto

   The best-known vegan version, and the chew is close enough that it surprises people. King oyster rings even look right on the plate. What is entirely absent is any sea flavor, so add half a teaspoon of crumbled toasted nori or kelp powder to the dredge, and salt generously. Squeeze the mushrooms dry first, since wet mushrooms steam instead of crisping.

4. 5Hearts of palm rings

   Taste and texture differ

   Use the same amount by weight

   Slice into 1/2-inch coins, push out the soft core to make rings, rinse thoroughly, then dry hard between towels before dredging.

   What changes

   Best for

   vegan calamari, party appetizers, presentation-led dishes

   The best visual match for rings that exists, which is why it has become the standard vegan trick. The bite is tender and slightly snappy rather than springy, so it eats gentler than squid. They come out of the jar acidic and wet, so rinse and dry them properly or the coating will slide off in the oil.

5. 6Firm white fish cut into strips

   Taste and texture differ

   Use the same amount by weight

   Cut cod, monkfish or haddock into finger-width strips, dredge, and fry at 375F for 2 to 3 minutes.

   What changes

   Best for

   fritto misto, fried seafood platters, fish and chips style dishes

   Delicious and easy, but be clear about what happens: fish flakes rather than springs, so the dish becomes crisp fried fish rather than calamari. Monkfish is the exception worth seeking out, since it is dense and firm enough to give you some of the resistance squid provides.