Squid, called pusit in Filipino, is a common seafood used in many Filipino dishes. You'll often see it grilled, fried, or cooked in sauces like adobo.
It has a mild flavor and cooks very quickly, which makes it great for simple meals and seafood dishes.
In this guide, you'll learn what squid is, how to buy it, how to store it, and how it's used in Filipino cooking.
Jump to:
What is Squid?
Squid is a type of seafood related to octopus and cuttlefish.
It has a long, tube-shaped body with fins on the sides and several tentacles attached to the head. The meat is naturally white and tender.
Squid is often cut into rings, strips, or pieces. The tentacles are also edible and commonly used in dishes.
You may also see squid called calamari, especially when it's served fried in restaurants.
In the Philippines, squid is called pusit and is used in many traditional recipes.
What Does Squid Taste Like?
Squid has a mild seafood flavor.
It's not very fishy and tastes similar to shrimp or scallops.
When cooked properly, squid is tender with a slight chew. But if it's overcooked, it can become rubbery.
What is Squid Ink?
Squid produce a dark liquid called squid ink.
It's stored in a small ink sac inside the squid and is released as a defense mechanism in the ocean.
Squid ink is used to add color and flavor to dishes. It gives food a dark black color and a slightly briny taste.
In Filipino cooking, squid ink is often used in adobong pusit, which gives the sauce its signature dark color.
How to Buy Squid
Squid may be sold fresh or frozen.
Fresh squid
Look for:
- Firm flesh
- Shiny, moist skin
- A mild ocean smell (not strong or fishy)
Small to medium squid are usually more tender than very large ones.
Whole squid is often cheaper and lets you use the ink if you want it for cooking.
If you're buying whole squid, you may need to clean it first. You can follow my step-by-step guide on how to clean squid.
Frozen squid
Frozen squid is usually sold as:
- squid tubes (the bodies)
- rings
- tentacles
Choose packages without large ice crystals or freezer burn.
How to Store Squid
Like most seafood, squid is best cooked as soon as possible.
Fresh squid
- Keep it in the refrigerator
- Store in the coldest part of the fridge
- Use within 1 to 2 days
Frozen squid
- Keep frozen until ready to cook
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Or thaw in a sealed bag in cold water
Once cooked, squid can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Filipino Recipes With Squid
Squid is used in many Filipino dishes. Here are some of our favorites:
- Adobong pusit: Squid cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The squid ink gives the sauce its dark color.
- Calamares: Battered squid deep-fried until crispy and served with vinegar or sweet chili sauce.
- Inihaw na pusit: Squid stuffed with tomatoes and onions, then grilled and served with a soy-calamansi dipping sauce.
- Seafood paella: Squid is sometimes added to seafood rice dishes like paella.
- Salt and pepper squid: A fried squid dish tossed with salt, pepper, and chilies.
- Squid stir-fry: Squid stir-fried with aromatics, vegetables, and a savory sauce.
FAQs About Squid
Yes. Calamari is just another name for squid. The word is often used when squid is served fried, especially in restaurants.
Squid is a good source of protein and several nutrients, including vitamin B12 and phosphorus.
However, it can also be high in cholesterol, so it's best eaten in moderation.
Squid becomes rubbery when it's overcooked. It's best cooked very quickly over high heat or simmered longer in sauces.
Yes. Squid tentacles are edible and are often cooked along with the body. They are commonly used in dishes like fried calamari or stir-fries.
Not necessarily. Squid ink is edible and is often used to add flavor and color to dishes like adobong pusit.
If you don't want it in your dish, you can simply remove the ink sac while cleaning the squid.
More Filipino Food Guide
Do you like this post? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this post are welcome, too!
Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!
Terry says
Your instructions are very easy to follow. The pictures are extremely helpful. Thank you, Nora.
Nora Rey says
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm glad you found the instructions and pictures helpful. Let me know if you have any questions or if there are any other recipes you'd like to see. Happy cooking!