The Juiciest Stuffed Squid Recipe: A Fun Coastal Delight

Culinary adventurers adore these delectable stuffed squid that promise an explosion of Mediterranean flavors.

Delicate tentacles curl around a vibrant filling bursting with herbs and spices.

Seafood enthusiasts will marvel at the intricate preparation method.

Tender calamari becomes a canvas for creative ingredients that sing with zest.

Each bite reveals layers of nuanced tastes dancing across your palate.

Succulent marine proteins merge perfectly with aromatic seasonings.

Stuffed Squid Tender Savory Seafood Filling

• Speedy Seafood Delight: Whip up this stuffed squid recipe in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty ingredients like capers, garlic, and olives, this dish brings vibrant Mediterranean coastal tastes right to your dinner table.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally impressive for a casual family dinner or an elegant dinner party, this recipe adapts easily to different dining occasions while satisfying diverse palates.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Requiring minimal culinary skills, this recipe allows even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish with straightforward sautéing and simmering methods.

Squid Stuffing Essentials

• Squid: Fresh and tender seafood, perfect for stuffing. Choose medium-sized squid with clean, clear bodies.

• Breadcrumbs, Grated Cheese: Creates a rich, textured base for stuffing. Use fine, dry breadcrumbs for best results.
• Garlic, Parsley: Adds fresh, aromatic flavor to the stuffing mixture.
• Capers: Provides a salty, tangy punch to the filling.
• Chili Pepper: Optional ingredient for adding mild heat and complexity.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Olives: Creates a light, Mediterranean-style sauce. Select ripe, firm tomatoes and briny olives.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Crucial for seasoning the entire dish.
• Water: Used to adjust sauce consistency and prevent burning.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish. Chopped just before serving.

Guide To Assembling Stuffed Squid

Step 1: Whip Up the Savory Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in breadcrumbs, finely chopped garlic, diced chili pepper, chopped capers, fresh parsley, and grated cheese.

Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt and black pepper.

Mix everything until the filling feels slightly damp and sticks together.

If the mixture seems dry, splash in a bit of water to help it bind.

Step 2: Stuff the Seafood Tubes

Take each squid body and gently fill it with the prepared breadcrumb mixture.

Leave a small space at the top to prevent overflow.

Use toothpicks to securely close the openings and keep the filling tucked inside.

Step 3: Sear the Stuffed Delights

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Carefully place the stuffed squid into the pan.

Cook and rotate the squid until they develop a light golden color, which should take around 3-4 minutes.

Once done, transfer them to a plate.

Step 4: Create a Vibrant Sauce

Using the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil.

Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and olives.

Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.

Pour a splash of water and season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Return the stuffed squid to the skillet.

Cover with a lid and let everything simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Gently turn the squid occasionally to ensure even cooking.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more water.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Plate the stuffed squid while hot.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve alongside crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Squid Stuffing Tips That Keep Shape

• Leave a small space at the top of the squid when stuffing to avoid bursting during cooking.
• Add water gradually to the breadcrumb mixture to achieve the perfect consistency for stuffing.
• Brown the squid quickly over medium heat to lock in flavors and create a golden exterior.
• Cook the stuffed squid on low heat to ensure tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.
• Monitor the sauce thickness during cooking, adding water if it becomes too dry to maintain a perfect balance of moisture.

Stuffed Squid Reheats Tender Without Drying

• Store leftover stuffed squid in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Let the squid cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes Well With Stuffed Squid

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, savory flavors of the stuffed squid and complement its delicate seafood profile.
• Match with Mediterranean Salad: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the robust flavors and add freshness to the dish.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Select a rustic, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato and olive sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience and providing a delightful textural contrast.
• Complement with Aromatic Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or additional parsley to brighten the dish and add a layer of herbal complexity that elevates the stuffed squid's Mediterranean essence.

Stuffed Squid Recipe Styles

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like ground almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use certified gluten-free cheese to maintain the recipe's integrity.
• Vegetarian Seafood Alternative: Substitute squid with large portobello mushrooms or zucchini. Fill the vegetables with the original breadcrumb mixture, maintaining similar cooking techniques and flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Enhance the filling by adding smoked paprika, chopped red pepper, and a pinch of ground cumin. Incorporate pine nuts for extra texture and nutty flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Option: Use finely chopped cauliflower instead of breadcrumbs. Reduce cheese quantity and add more herbs like oregano and thyme to boost flavor without increasing carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• How do I know when the squid is fully cooked?

The squid is done when it becomes tender and opaque, typically after 15-20 minutes of simmering. Overcooking can make it tough, so watch the texture carefully.

• Can I prepare the stuffed squid in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffing and stuff the squid a few hours before cooking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

• What if my squid is too small to stuff?

If the squid bodies are tiny, chop the filling and use it as a topping or mix it with the sauce instead of stuffing. This ensures you still get all the delicious flavors.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional chili pepper, so you can control the heat level. Skip the chili for a mild version or add more for extra kick.

Stuffed Squid Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean charm blossoms in this stuffed squid recipe, where tender calamari embrace a rich filling of herbs, breadcrumbs, and garlic. Mediterranean coastal kitchens come alive with each delectable bite, inviting you to savor authentic oceanic flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) squid, cleaned
• 150 g (5 oz) breadcrumbs
• 150 g (5 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 10–12 black olives, pitted and chopped

Aromatic and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 20 g (0.7 oz) capers, rinsed and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino)

Seasoning:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Water (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust, aromatic filling by combining breadcrumbs with finely chopped garlic, vibrant chili pepper, briny capers, fragrant parsley, and pungent grated cheese. Incorporate a generous drizzle of olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a moist, cohesive mixture that binds easily.
2. Gently stuff each squid body with the prepared mixture, taking care to leave a small margin at the top to prevent overflow. Secure the openings carefully with toothpicks to maintain the filling’s integrity during cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Carefully introduce the stuffed squid, searing them methodically to achieve a light golden exterior. This process typically requires 3-4 minutes of attentive cooking.
4. Utilize the same skillet to create a vibrant sauce, adding additional olive oil. Introduce cherry tomatoes and olives, allowing them to soften and release their natural flavors. Enhance the sauce with a modest splash of water, seasoning appropriately with salt and pepper.
5. Reintroduce the golden squid to the simmering sauce, covering the skillet to allow gentle cooking. Maintain a low heat, rotating the squid periodically during the 15-20 minute cooking process. Monitor the sauce’s consistency, adding water if it becomes too thick.
6. Present the stuffed squid while piping hot, embellishing with freshly chopped parsley. Complement the dish with crusty artisan bread or a crisp, refreshing salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Select fresh, medium-sized squid with clean, intact bodies for the best texture and flavor absorption.
• Rinse squid thoroughly and pat dry before stuffing to ensure the filling adheres properly and prevents excess moisture.
• Chop ingredients finely to create a uniform, cohesive filling that distributes evenly inside the squid.
• Avoid overstuffing by leaving a small space at the top, which allows the filling to expand slightly during cooking without bursting.
• Use toothpicks strategically to seal the squid openings and prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
• Sear squid quickly over medium heat to develop a golden exterior while maintaining tenderness.
• Monitor liquid levels during simmering, adding water gradually to prevent burning and maintain a light, delicate sauce.
• Experiment with alternative fillings like quinoa, herbs, or different cheeses for dietary variations or personal preferences.
• Consider gluten-free options by substituting breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Pair with light white wines or crisp rosés that complement the seafood’s delicate flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg