Delicious Stuffed Squid Recipe: A Culinary Delight

If you’re looking for a dish that impresses not just with its look but also with its taste, you can’t go wrong with stuffed squid. This dish, often featured in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a fancy weeknight dinner. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple yet mouthwatering stuffed squid recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the coast!

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Squid

• 6 large squid tubes
• 1 cup cooked rice (you can use jasmine or basmati)
• 1/2 cup chopped shrimp (optional, you can substitute with a different protein or vegetables)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

For the Tomato Sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance the acidity)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Squid

1. Clean the Squid: If you buy whole squid, be sure to clean them thoroughly. Remove the tentacles, guts, and the transparent cartilage. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

1. In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
2. If using, add the chopped shrimp and cook until they start to turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic mix, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Squid

1. Carefully stuff each squid tube with the prepared filling. Make sure not to overstuff, leaving some space for the rice to expand during cooking.
2. Use toothpicks to close the open ends of each squid to hold the filling in place. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Squid

1. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce at the bottom.
2. Place the stuffed squid on top of the sauce, and then cover with the remaining sauce. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the squid.
3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the squid is tender.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Serve the stuffed squid hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread or a crisp salad.

Stuffed squid is a delightful dish that marries the briny flavor of seafood with a hearty filling, making it immensely satisfying. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; feel free to customize the stuffing based on your preferences. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version with sautéed vegetables or a meat-heavy stuffing, the base recipe provides a great foundation.

Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this coastal-inspired treasure. Bon appétit!