What Sauce Goes with Calamari? (9 Great Sauces)

For many people, calamari is one of those dishes that they either love or hate.

I personally think that it’s delicious, but I know that some people find the taste and texture to be off-putting.

If you’re someone who loves calamari but are looking for a way to change up the flavor, then you’re in luck.

There are so many sauces that go great with calamari, and today I’m sharing 9 of my favorites.

Whether you like your calamari spicy, sweet, or savory, there’s a sauce on this list for you.

So next time you’re looking for a delicious appetizer or main course, give one of these sauces a try!

What Sauce Goes with Calamari?

There are many sauces that go well with calamari. Some of the most popular include aioli, garlic sauce, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and lemon butter. When choosing a sauce, it is important to consider what other ingredients will be in the dish.

If you are serving calamari as an appetizer, you might want to choose a lighter sauce like cocktail sauce or tartar sauce. If you are serving calamari as a main course, you might want to choose a heartier sauce like garlic sauce or lemon butter.

Still looking for ideas?

Then just keep scrolling!

Here are 9 sauces that go with Calamari:

1. Aioli

I’m sure you’ve heard of aioli before, but just in case you haven’t, it’s a sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

It has a rich and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with calamari.

The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the aioli and brings out the flavor of the seafood.

Tip:

If you can’t find aioli, you can make your own by mixing together equal parts garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

2. Garlic Sauce

If you like the taste of garlic, then you’ll love garlic sauce.

It’s perfect for dipping calamari in, as the strong flavor of the garlic will really come through.

Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra flavor to your dish without having to use a lot of ingredients.

Tip:

You can find garlic sauce at most grocery stores.

Look for it in the international aisle or near the other sauces and condiments.

3. Cocktail Sauce

Cocktail sauce tastes like slightly spicy ketchup with chunks of horseradish in it.

It’s a classic sauce for seafood, and it goes especially well with calamari.

The sauce is tangy and acidic, which helps to cut through the richness of the calamari.

Plus, the horseradish gives it a nice kick that wakes up your taste buds.

Tip:

You can find cocktail sauce at any grocery store.

It’s usually in the same section as the ketchup and other condiments.

4. Tartar Sauce

Semi-sweet and semi-savory, tartar sauce is a perfect dipping sauce for calamari.

The acidity of the sauce cuts through the richness of the fried squid, and the sweetness pairs well with the seafood flavor.

Plus, it’s a classic sauce that everyone knows and loves.

Tip:

If you want some extra flavor, try adding a bit of lemon juice to your tartar sauce.

5. Lemon Butter

Sometimes the simple sauces are the best.

Lemon butter is a perfect example.

It’s made with just butter and lemon juice, but the combination of flavors is heavenly.

It’s rich and creamy, with a bright acidity that pairs perfectly with calamari.

Tip:

If you want to make your own lemon butter, just melt some butter in a pan and add freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste.

6. Pesto

Pesto comes with a strong and unique flavor.

It is made of basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil.

You can use it as a sauce or a spread.

I like to use pesto together with calamari.

The strong flavor of pesto can cover the fishy smell of calamari.

Also, the olive oil in pesto can make the calamari less greasy.

7. Chimichurri

Chimichurri has a bright green color and a fresh, herby flavor.

It’s made with parsley, oregano, garlic, vinegar, and oil, and it’s common in Argentinean cuisine.

Chimichurri is a great dipping sauce for calamari because it’s light and refreshing, and it doesn’t overpower the delicate flavor of the seafood.

Tip:

If you can’t find chimichurri at your local grocery store, you can easily make it at home with a blender or food processor.

8. Romesco

Romesco has a lightly sweet and zippy taste that goes great with calamari.

It’s made with roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and vinegar, so it has a bit of everything.

The sauce is also thick enough to coat the calamari without making it soggy.

Tip:

If you can’t find romesco sauce, you can make your own by blending roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and vinegar.

9. Harissa

Harissa is known for being a hot and spicy sauce, but it also has a complex flavor that goes well with a variety of dishes.

When paired with calamari, the heat of the harissa cuts through the richness of the fried squid.

The complex flavor of the sauce also pairs well with the seafood flavor of the calamari.

Tip:

If you want to tone down the heat, you can add some yogurt or sour cream to your harissa sauce.