By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on September 27, 2023 | Last Updated on September 27, 2023
Costco’s food court is a great place to grab a quick bite or even something more substantial like this calamari salad. This traditional Japanese dish is a great way to consume fresh and flavorful ingredients.
In this article, we’ll take you through all of the steps and ingredients necessary to make this delicious Costco calamari salad. It’s easy-to-follow that can be prepared in under 10 minutes. Let’s get started!
What is Costco Calamari Salad?
Costco calamari salad is a Japanese favorite that combines fresh squid, vegetables, and seasonings to make an exciting meal.
The unique combination of flavors in this dish makes it a great option for those looking for something different from the usual fried or grilled seafood dishes. The key ingredient in this is squid, which serves as the main protein.
It is then combined with celery, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, vegetable oil, red onions, green onions, sesame seeds, sugar, and various vegetables such as bamboo shoots and kikurage mushrooms. All of these combine to make a unique salad.
Why You’ll Love This Costco Calamari Salad?
This delicious Costco calamari salad is a great way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful appetizer. The combination of vegetables and seasonings gives this an exciting flavor profile that can’t be beaten.
What makes this so appealing is the nutritional benefits it provides. Squid is a great source of lean protein, which helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Additionally, the vegetables in this salad provide vitamins and minerals to help keep your body healthy and strong.
The rice wine vinegar also adds a tangy flavor that helps to balance out the other flavors. The sesame oil gives this dish a nutty aroma while the soy sauce adds saltiness.
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The Ingredients
- Sliced Celery: Celery is a crunchy vegetable that adds texture and flavor to salads
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Rice wine vinegar is known for its tangy flavor, which helps to balance out the other flavors.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to this salad. It also helps to bring all of the ingredients together.
- Grated Ginger: Grated ginger adds a spicy, fresh flavor to this salad.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce helps to bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients in this while adding saltiness.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil helps to give this dish its richness and depth of flavor.
- Sliced Red Onions: Red onions add a pop of color and flavor to the salad.
- Squid, Cleaned, and Sliced into Rings: Fresh squid is essential for this recipe as it adds a unique texture and flavor.
- Sliced Green Onions: Green onions add vibrant color and a mild onion flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds add crunch and nuttiness to the dish.
- Sugar: Sugar helps to balance out the other flavors in this recipe.
- Sliced Bamboo Shoots: Bamboo shoots add a subtle sweetness and crunch to the salad.
- Kikurage Mushrooms: Kikurage mushrooms have a light, woody flavor and add a unique texture to the dish.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, mix together celery, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
Step 2
Add in the squid slices and stir gently to combine. Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3
Add the red onions, green onions, sesame seeds, sugar, bamboo shoots, and kikurage mushrooms to the bowl. Stir gently to combine all of the ingredients.
Step 4
Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Step 5
Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the squid is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the marinade.
- Feel free to switch up the vegetables you use in this dish, such as bell peppers or carrots.
- To make it a bit spicier, add some chili flakes to the marinade.
- You can also serve this dish over cooked rice or noodles for an easy meal.
Nutrition Information
How to store Costco Calamari Salad?
This Costco calamari salad can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It should be refrigerated and consumed within three days of being made.
To maximize freshness, it is best to consume the salad soon after making it. If storing for longer than three days, place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two weeks. Be sure to defrost the salad in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations
- Substitute the squid with other seafood options such as shrimp or scallops.
- Switch up the vegetables used in this dish such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas.
- Top with avocado for extra creaminess.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice instead of rice wine vinegar for a citrusy twist.
- Top with crunchy, roasted nuts such as almonds or cashews for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with honey for an added sweetness.
- Top with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
- Adding capers creates a salty, briny flavor that compliments this dish perfectly.
Costco Calamari Salad Recipe
Equipment
- a bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. celery sliced
- 4 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp. Kadoya sesame oil
- 2 tsp. Ginger grated
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp. red onions sliced
- 1/2 lb. cleaned and sliced into rings squid
- 2 tbsp. green onions sliced
- 2 tbsp. sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp. bamboo shoots sliced
- 2 tbsp. kikurage mushrooms sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine celery, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce and vegetable oil.
- Add the squid slices to the marinade and stir gently for 30 minutes or longer.
- Mix in red onions, green onions, sesame seeds, sugar, bamboo shoots and kikurage mushrooms. Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the squid is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the marinade.
- Feel free to switch up the vegetables you use in this dish, such as bell peppers or carrots.
- To make it a bit spicier, add some chili flakes to the marinade.
- You can also serve this dish over cooked rice or noodles for an easy meal.
FAQs
Can I make this without sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar if desired. Instead, use a small amount of honey or agave syrup to add sweetness without adding refined sugars.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this is a naturally gluten-free dish as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Be sure to check the label of your soy sauce to make sure it is gluten-free.
Does it need to be served cold?
Yes, this dish should always be served chilled. It can also be served at room temperature but is best when it has been refrigerated for at least one hour before serving.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading through this guide on how to make Costco calamari salad. Whether you’re looking for an impressive appetizer or just need something quick and easy, this Japanese classic is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
Please share this article with your friends and family if you enjoyed it. Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or comments about this dish. We’d love to hear from you!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
