All About Calamari
Your complete guide to calamari - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Calamari Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for calamari in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
cooked in fridge2-3 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, stale, or unpleasant odor; dry, hard, or overly rubbery texture (if it wasn't already); visible mold (though less common within 2-3 days); slimy residue on the surface.
How to Check
Smell test: Cooked calamari should retain a pleasant, savory aroma. Any 'off' or sour smell indicates spoilage. Visual inspection: Look for any unusual discoloration, dullness, or fuzzy spots. Texture test: While cooked calamari can be a bit chewy, it shouldn't be excessively hard, dry, or slimy.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked calamari quickly (within 2 hours) and store in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid reheating more than once.
raw in fridge (freshly bought/unopened)1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Strong, pungent 'fishy' or ammonia-like smell; slimy or sticky texture; dull, grayish, or yellowish discoloration; cloudy eyes (if whole squid).
How to Check
Smell test: Fresh calamari has a mild, clean, slightly oceanic scent. Any strong, sour, or 'off' odor is a sign of spoilage. Visual inspection: Look for vibrant, translucent, off-white to pinkish flesh. Avoid anything dull, discolored, or with dark spots. Touch test: It should feel firm and slightly moist, not sticky or excessively slimy.
Storage Tips
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator, preferably on a bed of ice in a colander set over a bowl, or in an airtight container to prevent cross-contamination and odor transfer. Cook within 24 hours for best quality.
cooked in freezer2-3 months
Signs of Spoilage
After thawing: unpleasant odor; significant change in texture (e.g., overly rubbery or mushy); freezer burn.
How to Check
Smell test (after thawing): Look for any 'off' or stale odors. Visual inspection (after thawing): Check for freezer burn or unusual discoloration. Texture test (after thawing): Noticeable degradation in texture (too tough or too soft) indicates reduced quality.
Storage Tips
Allow cooked calamari to cool completely before freezing. Store in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn and absorption of other freezer odors. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
raw in freezer3-6 months (for best quality), up to 9-12 months (safely)
Signs of Spoilage
After thawing: strong 'fishy' or ammonia smell; very mushy or excessively soft texture; excessive freezer burn (dry, discolored patches) indicating quality degradation.
How to Check
Visual inspection (before freezing): Ensure it's fresh before freezing. Visual inspection (after thawing): Check for freezer burn. Smell test (after thawing): It should have a mild, fresh scent. Any strong, unpleasant odor means it's spoiled. Touch test (after thawing): It should still feel relatively firm; excessive mushiness is a bad sign.
Storage Tips
Clean and portion calamari before freezing. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal them, then place in an airtight freezer bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Do not refreeze thawed calamari.
raw in fridge (opened/cleaned)1 day
Signs of Spoilage
Same as 'raw in fridge (freshly bought/unopened)', but spoilage may accelerate once exposed to air.
How to Check
Apply the same smell, visual, and touch tests. Pay close attention to any changes, as deterioration can be quick.
Storage Tips
Once cleaned and prepared, it's best to cook calamari immediately. If you must store it briefly, place it in an airtight container lined with a paper towel (to absorb excess moisture) in the coldest part of the fridge.