Calamares en Salsa Americana: Tender Spanish Squid in Sauce (60) 2026

If your only experience of calamares en salsa americana has come from a can, this homemade version will change everything. Tender squid rings are simmered in a rich, glossy sauce built from slow-caramelized onion, garlic, tomato, brandy and white wine. It is simple, deeply savory and ready in about 80 minutes.

The sauce gets its seafood depth from the squid itself, so there is no need for fish stock here. A pinch of cayenne adds a gentle warmth, while the brandy and wine bring a rounded, aromatic finish. Serve it with white rice and a good piece of bread to mop up every last drop.

Fresh squid is ideal, but frozen squid already cleaned and cut is a perfectly good alternative. Cutting the squid into rings helps it absorb more of the sauce, so every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients for Calamares en Salsa Americana

This recipe makes 2 generous main-course servings.

• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• 250 ml crushed natural tomato
• 1 cayenne pepper
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 100 ml brandy
• 100 ml white wine
• 500 g cleaned squid
• 200 ml water

How to Make Calamares en Salsa Americana Step by Step

1. Sauté the Garlic and Onion

Start with the sauce. Finely chop the 2 garlic cloves and the onion. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pot and gently sauté both with a little salt over medium-low heat until the onion is golden.

2. Add the Tomato and Cayenne

Add 250 ml of crushed natural tomato, 1 cayenne pepper and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the sauce until the tomato reduces and thickens.

3. Pour in the Brandy

Add 100 ml of brandy and let it reduce. If you know how, you can flambé the brandy for an extra touch of flavor, always turning off the extractor hood first and taking great care.

4. Add the White Wine

Next, stir in 100 ml of white wine and let some of the alcohol evaporate.

5. Cut the Squid into Rings

While the sofrito cooks, cut 500 g of cleaned squid into rings of about 1 cm.

6. Season the Squid

Season the squid with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

7. Simmer the Squid in the Sauce

Add the squid to the pot and stir so it is well coated in the sauce. Pour in 200 ml of water and cook the squid covered for 30 minutes over medium-low heat. Then uncover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes over low heat until tender, adding a little more water if needed.

8. Serve with White Rice

Serve the calamares en salsa americana with boiled white rice to make the most of this delicious dish.

Tips for the Best Calamares en Salsa Americana

Choose the Right Squid

Fresh squid is ideal for this recipe, although frozen squid already cut into rings is a good alternative. Cutting the squid into rings helps it absorb the sauce better, so take the time to cut them evenly.

Build a Deeply Flavored Sauce

For a delicious sauce, it is crucial to reduce the onion until it almost caramelizes. If you are feeling bold, you can flambé the brandy to intensify the flavor. A pinch of cayenne adds heat, and you can increase the amount to taste. If you prefer a darker sauce, add a pinch of squid ink.

Serve It Right

White rice is an excellent accompaniment for these calamares en salsa americana. If you love bread, have a good piece ready to enjoy this irresistible sauce.

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Additional Tasty Recipes to Cook for Loved Ones

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