Stuffed Calamari
Tender stuffed calamari filled with a savory breadcrumb mixture, simmered in flavorful tomato sauce. An elegant seafood dish perfect for special occasions or Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slowly heat the tomato sauce in a large pot.
- Meanwhile, soak the bread crumbs in a small bowl with a drop of water until dampened and set aside.
- Clean the squid bodies and legs thoroughly and soak in cold water until ready to use.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic.
- Saute the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until the onion is soft.
- Mix the sautéed onion and garlic into the dampened bread crumbs.
- Add chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bread crumb mixture.
- Loosely stuff the squid bodies with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Close the open end of each squid with a toothpick.
- Raise the temperature of the tomato sauce and add the stuffed squid.
- Cook covered for 10 minutes.
- Serve the stuffed calamari over spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked frozen squid can be used instead of fresh. For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can also be used in place of parsley or oregano for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed calamari over a bed of spaghetti for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. For a Mediterranean twist, consider serving alongside Lemon Baked Fish to complement the flavors of the sea. A glass of white wine can elevate your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of tomato sauce to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the calamari rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Calamari contains roughly 640 calories, with 22g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (237% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1584mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the stuffed calamari in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed calamari a few hours ahead of time. Simply follow the stuffing steps and refrigerate the squid until you're ready to cook them. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even more delicious when cooked.
What can I serve with stuffed calamari?
Stuffed calamari pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with garlic bread, a light arugula salad, or even a side of oven-roasted vegetables. A simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice over the salad will enhance the flavors of the dish.
How do I know when the squid is cooked properly?
The squid is properly cooked when it turns opaque and firm. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to a tough texture. Cooking for about 10 minutes in the simmering tomato sauce should be sufficient for perfectly tender stuffed calamari.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).