If you’ve never had stuffed squid, you’re in for a real treat. It’s one of those dishes that looks way more complicated than it actually is, and it’s guaranteed to make you feel like a chef in a fancy restaurant. Trust me, you’re going to love it! This stuffed squid recipe is filled with savory, tender flavors and is perfect for any occasion—from a cozy dinner to impressing your friends at a dinner party. The best part? It’s easy to make, even if you’ve never cooked seafood before.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Squid
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this stuffed squid dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but it comes together to create a beautifully flavored meal. Let’s break it down:
Squid: The star of the dish. Fresh, tender squid provides a satisfying texture and a delicate seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with the stuffing.
Breadcrumbs: For binding and giving the filling a bit of texture. It soaks up all the flavors and adds just the right amount of crunch.
Garlic: You can’t go wrong with garlic! It’s aromatic and savory, infusing the filling with rich flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil, chopped finely, adds a refreshing herbal note to balance the savory elements.
Cheese: A little grated Parmesan or Pecorino makes the stuffing wonderfully creamy and full of flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and drizzling over the stuffed squid before it goes into the oven. It adds richness and helps everything crisp up beautifully.
Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your stuffed squid the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture has a slightly damp texture. This will be the flavorful filling that you’ll stuff inside the squid.
Stuff the Squid: Take each cleaned squid and carefully stuff it with the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure not to overstuff, as the squid might tear. Secure the open end with a toothpick.
Cook the Squid: Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the stuffed squid and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. This step gives them a nice sear.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the squid to a baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the squid is tender and the stuffing is golden and crispy.
Finish with Lemon: Once the squid is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten up the dish.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a light salad or served on its own, this stuffed squid recipe is sure to impress.
How to Serve Stuffed Squid
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free options or use dairy-free cheese.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute squid with another seafood?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of squid, you can use shrimp or scallops as an alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can stuff the squid and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before baking. It makes the process even quicker when you’re ready to cook.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well! Simply freeze the stuffed squid before baking. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight and then bake as usual.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the squid tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! This recipe is easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd. Just make sure you have a big enough pan to cook them all evenly.
Q7: Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
A7: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the squid completely and pat it dry before stuffing to avoid excess water.
Q8: Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
A8: You can substitute the seafood with vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, and make a veggie-based stuffing with rice, cheese, and herbs.
Q9: Can I grill the stuffed squid instead of baking it?
A9: Yes, grilling works wonderfully! Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Q10: Can I add other fillings to the squid?
A10: Absolutely! You can get creative with the filling. Add spinach, pine nuts, or even cooked quinoa for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just want something unique for your weeknight meals, this stuffed squid recipe is your new go-to. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to leave your taste buds dancing. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
Stuffed Squid
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Stuffed Squid recipe combines tender squid filled with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, capers, and cheese, all cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for special occasions, date nights, or holiday dinners. Simple, delicious, and sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) squid, cleaned
- 150 g (5 oz) breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp 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
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino)
- 150 g (5 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 10–12 black olives, pitted and chopped
- Water (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chili pepper (if using), capers, parsley, grated cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is moist and holds together. Add a small amount of water if needed. - Stuff the Squid:
Fill each squid body with the breadcrumb mixture, leaving a little space at the top to prevent overfilling. Secure the openings with toothpicks. - Cook the Squid:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed squid and sear on all sides until lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil, then sauté the cherry tomatoes and olives until softened. Add a splash of water and season with salt and pepper. - Simmer:
Return the squid to the skillet, cover with a lid, and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally. Add more water if the sauce thickens too much. - Serve:
Serve the stuffed squid hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- You can add chopped squid tentacles to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of white wine before simmering.
- Adjust the chili pepper to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg