How to Cook Calamari Steaks from Costco

Costco’s wild calamari steaks are flat-cut portions from large Humboldt squid. You’ll find them in the frozen seafood section, sold previously frozen in tray packs.

Most home cooks buy these for quick weeknight dinners. A single steak cooks in under 5 minutes. Each package typically contains 8-10 steaks, enough to feed a family multiple times.

This guide covers three cooking methods: pan frying, air fryer, and grilling. Total cook times range from 4 to 10 minutes depending on your approach.

Product Details

Product: Wild Calamari Steaks (Previously Frozen)

Type: Previously frozen, pre-tenderized

Package Size: Approximately 5 lbs (8-10 steaks)

Price: $19.99-$24.99 at Costco (Updated January 2025)

Storage: Keep frozen at 0F or below

Calories per Serving: 150 per 6 oz steak

Main Ingredients: Wild-caught squid (Humboldt)

Item Number: 21354

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Pan frying produces the crispiest texture when using a panko breading. But if you want minimal oil, the air fryer gets close.

Method 1: Pan Frying (Recommended)

Pan frying takes about 6 minutes total. You’ll get a golden crust with tender meat inside. Works for 2-4 steaks at a time.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Steaks?

Thaw your calamari steaks completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.

Instructions:

1. Remove steaks from packaging and thaw overnight in refrigerator
2. Pat completely dry on both sides
3. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking

Equipment: Paper towels, cutting board, plate

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.

Instructions:

1. Add 1/4 inch of vegetable or canola oil to a large skillet
2. Heat until oil shimmers (about 350F)
3. Cook steaks 2-3 minutes until edges curl slightly

Temperature: Medium-high heat (setting 7 out of 10)

Time: 2-3 minutes per side

Step 3: When Do You Flip?

Flip when you see the edges turning opaque and slightly curled. The bottom should be golden brown.

Instructions:

1. Check at the 2-minute mark
2. Look for golden color on the cooked side
3. Use a thin spatula to flip gently

Checkpoint: At 2-minute mark, edges begin curling

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Calamari steaks are done when both sides are golden and the meat is opaque throughout. They cook fast, so watch carefully.

Instructions:

1. Both sides should be golden brown
2. Meat appears opaque, not translucent
3. Edges curl slightly upward

Visual Indicator: Golden brown with curled edges, opaque center

Method 2: Air Fryer

The air fryer takes 8-10 minutes but uses far less oil. You’ll still get a crispy exterior if you spray the steaks lightly.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Air Frying?

Thaw and dry the steaks. Coat lightly with oil spray. You can bread them first or cook plain.

Instructions:

1. Thaw steaks completely and pat dry
2. Preheat air fryer to 400F for 5 minutes
3. Spray basket with cooking oil

Equipment: Air fryer, cooking spray, tongs

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Air fry at 400F. Breaded steaks need 8-10 minutes total. Plain steaks cook faster, around 6-8 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Place steaks in single layer (don’t overcrowd)
2. Spray tops with light coat of oil
3. Set timer for 8-10 minutes

Temperature: 400F

Time: 8-10 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Flip?

Flip halfway through cooking. Spray the other side lightly with oil after flipping.

Instructions:

1. Open basket at 4-5 minute mark
2. Flip steaks using tongs
3. Spray lightly with oil

Checkpoint: At 4-5 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Look for golden brown color and a crispy texture. The interior should be opaque white.

Instructions:

1. Check for golden exterior
2. Test firmness with tongs (should feel firm, not soft)
3. Internal temp reaches 145F

Target Temperature: 145F internal

Visual Indicator: Golden and crispy with opaque white interior

Method 3: Grilling

Grilling gives calamari steaks a smoky char. This is the fastest method but requires careful timing. One minute too long and they turn rubbery.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Grilling?

Brush steaks with olive oil. Don’t season until after cooking. Salt draws out moisture and prevents a good sear.

Instructions:

1. Thaw completely and pat very dry
2. Brush lightly with olive oil on both sides
3. Score a diamond pattern to prevent curling (optional)

Equipment: Grill or cast iron grill pan, tongs, brush

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Get your grill screaming hot. You want at least 450F. The steaks cook in just 2-4 minutes total.

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to high (450-550F)
2. Oil the grates to prevent sticking
3. Place steaks directly on hot grates

Temperature: High heat (450-550F)

Time: 1-2 minutes per side

Step 3: When Do You Flip?

Flip after you see grill marks form. This happens fast, usually 60-90 seconds.

Instructions:

1. Watch for grill marks to form
2. Listen for sizzling to decrease slightly
3. Flip quickly using tongs

Checkpoint: At 60-90 seconds, grill marks visible

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The steak turns from translucent to milky white. You’ll see defined char marks. Total time should not exceed 4 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Look for opaque, milky white color
2. Check for defined char marks
3. Remove immediately and season with salt and pepper

Visual Indicator: Opaque white with brown char marks, slight edge curl

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety

• Internal Temperature: 145F minimum
• Steam Check: Product should steam when cut
• Thawing: Always thaw completely before cooking

Quality Indicators (Done Properly)

• Color: Opaque white, not translucent
• Texture: Tender with slight chew, not rubbery
• Temperature: Hot throughout
• Appearance: Golden exterior if breaded, char marks if grilled

Signs of Overcooking

• Rubbery, tough texture that requires excessive chewing
• Shrunken appearance (more than 25% size reduction)
• Very curled edges with dry, hard exterior

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 1 steak (6 oz) per serving, 8-10 servings per package

Serving Ideas:

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top and add chopped parsley
• Serve with lemon caper butter sauce for a restaurant-style presentation
• Slice into strips and serve over arugula salad with shaved parmesan

Pairing Recommendations:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
• Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Gruner Veltliner
• Tartar sauce, marinara, or aioli for dipping

These calamari steaks pair well with other Costco seafood items. Try serving alongside cooked Costco shrimp for a mixed seafood platter.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: 10-12 minutes at 275F on baking sheet
• Air Fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350F
• Target Temperature: 165F for reheated leftovers

Be careful when reheating. Calamari gets tough quickly. Short bursts of heat work better than extended cooking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Rubbery Texture

Cause: Overcooked. Calamari needs only 2-3 minutes per side.

Solution: Reduce cooking time. Remove from heat when edges just begin to curl. The residual heat finishes the cooking.

Issue: Steaks Curl Excessively

Cause: High heat causes muscle fibers to contract rapidly.

Solution: Score a crosshatch pattern about 1/4 inch deep before cooking. This breaks the surface tension and keeps steaks flat.

Issue: Soggy Breading

Cause: Steaks weren’t dried properly before breading, or oil wasn’t hot enough.

Solution: Pat steaks completely dry. Make sure oil is shimmering before adding steaks. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Issue: Sticks to Grill

Cause: Grill wasn’t hot enough or wasn’t oiled.

Solution: Preheat grill for at least 10 minutes. Oil both the grates and the steaks. Wait for natural release before flipping.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Seafood Products

• Costco scallops – similar quick-cooking approach, 2-3 minutes per side
• Costco mahi mahi – firmer texture, longer cook time
• Costco coconut shrimp – pre-breaded option for easier prep

For a complete seafood dinner, consider adding Costco garlic bread as a side.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Thicker steaks (over 1/2 inch) need an extra 30-60 seconds per side. Very thin steaks may cook in as little as 1 minute per side on high heat.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Pan Frying when:

• You want the crispiest breaded coating
• Cooking 2-4 steaks at once
• You have 6 minutes and a skillet

Choose Air Fryer when:

• You want less oil in your meal
• Cooking 1-2 steaks
• You have 10 minutes and prefer hands-off cooking

Choose Grilling when:

• You want smoky char flavor
• Making Mediterranean-style dishes
• You need the fastest cook time (2-4 minutes total)

Time Comparison

Grilling (2-4 min) < Pan Frying (4-6 min) < Air Fryer (8-10 min)

Texture Ranking

Pan Fried Breaded (crispiest) > Air Fryer (crispy) > Grilled (tender with char)

FAQ on How To Cook Calamari Steaks From Costco

How long do you cook Costco calamari steaks?

Cook calamari steaks for 2-3 minutes per side when pan frying or grilling.

Air fryer takes 8-10 minutes total at 400F. The key is high heat and short cooking time. Anything longer makes them tough.

Do you need to thaw calamari steaks before cooking?

Yes. Always thaw completely before cooking.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use cold running water for 15 minutes. Pat the steaks completely dry with paper towels before cooking for best results.

Why are my calamari steaks rubbery?

Overcooking is the problem. Squid turns rubbery when cooked too long.

Stick to 2-3 minutes per side maximum. Remove from heat when edges just start curling. The residual heat finishes cooking the center.

Can you cook Costco calamari steaks in an air fryer?

Yes. Preheat to 400F, place steaks in a single layer, and cook 8-10 minutes.

Flip halfway and spray lightly with oil. Works great for breaded steaks. Less mess than pan frying.

What internal temperature should calamari steaks reach?

Calamari is safe at 145F internal temperature.

Most cooks rely on visual cues instead. Look for opaque white color throughout and slightly curled edges. Translucent centers mean it needs more time.

How do you tenderize Costco calamari steaks?

Costco steaks come pre-tenderized. No extra work needed.

If they seem tough, marinate in buttermilk or lemon juice for 30 minutes. Don’t marinate longer. Acid starts “cooking” the meat and affects texture.

What sides go well with calamari steaks?

Classic pairings include garlic mashed potatoes, arugula salad, or grilled vegetables.

Lemon wedges and fresh parsley are a must. For dipping, try tartar sauce, marinara, or lemon caper butter. Serve with jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Can you grill Costco calamari steaks?

Absolutely. Grilling works great for calamari.

Get the grill very hot (450-550F). Brush steaks with olive oil. Cook 60-90 seconds per side until char marks form. Season with salt after cooking, not before.

How do you bread calamari steaks for pan frying?

Use a three-step breading station: flour, beaten egg, then panko breadcrumbs.

Season the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Press the coating firmly onto each steak. Shake off excess before frying in hot oil.

How long do leftover calamari steaks last?

Store cooked calamari in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Reheat carefully in a 275F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave. It makes the texture rubbery and tough.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook calamari steaks from Costco using three different methods. Pan frying, air frying, and grilling all work well.

The secret is simple: high heat, short cook time. Two to three minutes per side keeps the squid tender instead of rubbery.

Thaw completely. Pat dry. Don’t overcrowd your pan.

These wild-caught Humboldt squid steaks deliver restaurant-quality seafood at home. Pair them with lemon wedges, a crisp salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Pick a method and give it a try tonight.