Stuffed Squid Recipe Guide

Let me show you how I make Stuffed Squid, an absolutely delightful dish that’s perfect for a special meal or when you want to impress guests. This Italian recipe comes from coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant, like Sicily or Naples. It’s filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Notes: what to expect

Expect tender, flavorful squid stuffed with a savory, cheesy mixture complemented by a rich tomato sauce. The squid should be tender, not rubbery, and the sauce will be slightly thickened from the stuffing.

Stuffed Squid Recipe Guide

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (per serving): Approx. 400-450 kcal
Cost of Ingredients: Medium (fresh squid can be pricey, but the rest of the ingredients are affordable)
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main dish
Ease of Cooking: Medium (requires careful handling of squid and simmering)
Equipment Needed: Knife, food processor (optional), skillet, spoon, toothpicks (optional)

• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Stuffed Squid  here.

Ingredients:

For the Squid:

• 1 pound (450 grams) squid (cleaned with tentacles)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 3 oz (90 grams) fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup (30 grams) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon capers

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 28 oz (800 grams) canned tomatoes
• 20 pitted black olives
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Stuffed Squid  here.

Method:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • Start by cleaning the squid thoroughly, ensuring it’s free from any innards and sand. Drain well.
   • In a skillet, heat the olive oil, and sauté the chopped garlic with the tentacles and fins of the squid until the liquid evaporates.
   • Transfer this mixture to a food processor and pulse with breadcrumbs, Pecorino, parsley, capers, salt, and pepper. Add a touch of tomato puree if the filling feels too dry.
2. Stuff the Squid:
   • Carefully stuff the squid tubes with the prepared filling using a small spoon, making sure to fill the tube completely without overstuffing. Secure the open ends with toothpicks to keep everything intact during cooking.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil, and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add the wine, tomatoes, olives, capers, and parsley. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Cook the Stuffed Squid:
   • Add the stuffed squid to the tomato sauce. Cover and let them simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until the squid is tender. You may need to check occasionally, turning the squid gently to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Serve:
   • Once done, serve the stuffed squid with the sauce and pasta, or alongside a crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Variations & Tips:

• Dietary Substitutes: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
• Alternative Fillings: Some people like to use a mix of sausage or shrimp for a more robust filling.
• Cooking Method: If you prefer, you can bake the stuffed squid in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, adding the sauce halfway through.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Stuffed Squid  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

• Calories: ~400-450 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 15g
• Protein: 35g

So…

I hope this guide has made making Stuffed Squid seem a little less daunting. Or, have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.

Enjoy cooking!