Stuffed Calamari Recipes That Impress Every Time

Stuffed calamari is a delightful dish that brings together the tender, slightly sweet flavor of squid with a savory, herb-infused filling. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with an elegant appetizer or craving a Mediterranean-inspired main course, this recipe is a perfect choice.

The beauty of stuffed calamari lies in its versatility—you can stuff it with a variety of ingredients like breadcrumbs, herbs, cheese, and seafood, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Preparing stuffed calamari might seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes a rewarding culinary adventure.

detailed recipes and tips to help you master the art of stuffed calamari, ensuring a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed calamari recipes are a fantastic way to elevate your seafood repertoire. The combination of tender calamari tubes filled with a rich mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs delivers a burst of flavor and texture in every bite.

This recipe is not only delicious but also visually impressive, making it perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated weeknight dinner.

Moreover, stuffed calamari is highly adaptable. You can easily tweak the stuffing to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients.

Whether you prefer a classic Italian-style filling or a more exotic blend, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, cooking calamari properly ensures it remains tender and juicy, a skill you’ll appreciate mastering.

Ingredients

• 8-10 medium squid tubes (cleaned, about 1 lb)
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine for sealing

Equipment

• Sharp kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Skillet or frying pan
• Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. Prepare the squid tubes: Rinse the cleaned squid tubes under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Carefully trim the tentacles if included and chop them finely for the stuffing.
2. Make the stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, pine nuts (if using), lemon zest, finely chopped squid tentacles, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle in half the olive oil and mix well until the stuffing holds together slightly.
3. Stuff the calamari tubes: Using a small spoon or your fingers, gently fill each squid tube with the stuffing mixture. Do not overfill, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Seal the open ends with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside.
4. Sear the stuffed calamari: Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed squid tubes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake the stuffed calamari: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seared stuffed squid in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce over them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the squid is tender and fully cooked.
7. Serve: Remove the toothpicks or twine carefully. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately, spooning some of the sauce over the calamari.

Tips & Variations

“To keep your calamari tender, avoid overcooking. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your squid.”

For a richer stuffing, add finely chopped cooked shrimp or crab meat. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try stuffing the calamari with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese.

For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or chopped chili in the stuffing.

Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, thyme, or dill to suit your palate. You can also swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed calamari pairs beautifully with a light side dish like a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A lemony arugula salad or a classic Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad would complement the rich flavors well.

For a heartier meal, serve with garlic butter pasta or creamy risotto. Don’t forget a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the seafood’s delicate flavors.

For more inspiration on delicious side dishes, check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or explore comforting vegetable soups like the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Other Stuffed Calamari Recipes to Try

If you love stuffed calamari, why not explore some exciting variations? Here are three delicious recipes to expand your seafood repertoire:

Mediterranean Stuffed Calamari with Feta and Olives

This variation features a tangy blend of crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano. The stuffing is bright and savory, pairing perfectly with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon on top.

Spicy Chorizo and Herb Stuffed Calamari

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this recipe combines cooked spicy chorizo sausage, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs. The smoky flavor of chorizo adds depth to the tender squid, creating a satisfying and bold dish.

Vegan Stuffed Squid Mushrooms and Rice

Though unconventional, vegan stuffed calamari can be made by using large king oyster mushrooms or zucchini tubes as a substitute. The stuffing consists of cooked rice, sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs.

This recipe is perfect for plant-based eaters who want to enjoy a seafood-inspired dish.

For a collection of plant-based recipes that complement your seafood dishes, check out our Active Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy and Energized Living or browse the Best Vegan Dad Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

Stuffed calamari is a versatile and impressive dish that brings gourmet flavors to your dining table with relative ease. By mastering the art of cleaning and stuffing calamari, you open the door to countless creative variations that suit any occasion or taste preference.

The combination of tender squid and flavorful fillings makes this dish a standout in seafood cuisine.

With a few simple ingredients, some patience, and attention to cooking times, you can serve a dish that’s both delicious and visually stunning. Whether you stick to the classic Italian-style stuffing or experiment with more adventurous fillings, stuffed calamari is sure to become a favorite in your culinary collection.

Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for perfect meal pairings.

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