Easy Savory Stuffed Squid

If you’re looking for a seafood dish that’s both rich in flavor and visually stunning, Savory Stuffed Squid is the perfect choice. This elegant yet approachable dish takes fresh, tender squid and fills it with a delectable stuffing of herbs, aromatics, and savory ingredients, creating a juicy, satisfying bite. Whether grilled, baked, or simmered in a fragrant sauce, Savory Stuffed Squid delivers bold, briny goodness in every forkful.

What makes Savory Stuffed Squid special is its combination of texture and taste. The squid remains beautifully tender while the stuffing—whether a blend of vegetables, seafood, or rice—adds an irresistible contrast of flavors. Finished with a drizzle of citrus, olive oil, or a bold tomato sauce, Savory Stuffed Squid is an impressive dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

The first time I made Savory Stuffed Squid, I was amazed by how effortlessly the ingredients came together—the squid absorbed all the delicious juices, while the stuffing infused the dish with layers of savory richness. Since then, Savory Stuffed Squid has been my go-to for seafood lovers looking for a standout meal.

Now, I prepare Savory Stuffed Squid for dinner parties, casual family meals, or whenever I want a restaurant-worthy dish at home. Whether served with crusty bread, paired with a glass of wine, or enjoyed with a fresh salad, Savory Stuffed Squid always delivers deep, satisfying flavor.

Why You’ll Love Savory Stuffed Squid

• Tender & Juicy Texture – Perfectly cooked squid with a flavorful, moist filling.
• Deep, Rich Flavors – A harmonious blend of herbs, spices, and fresh seafood ingredients.
• Versatile Cooking Methods – Enjoy grilled, baked, or simmered in a fragrant sauce.
• Elegant Yet Approachable – A gourmet dish that’s simple to prepare at home.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.

Health Benefits of Savory Stuffed Squid

• High in Lean Protein – Supports muscle health and keeps you full longer.
• Packed with Omega-3s – Promotes heart and brain health.
• Rich in Vitamins & Minerals – Squid provides essential nutrients like B12 and selenium.
• Naturally Low in Calories – A light yet deeply satisfying dish.
• Gluten-Free Option Available – Easily adaptable to dietary needs.

When to Make Savory Stuffed Squid

• Seafood Lover’s Dream – A must-have for those who enjoy bold flavors.
• Date Night Dinner – Impress your guest with an elegant, homemade dish.
• Weekend Gourmet Cooking – Indulgent yet simple to prepare.
• Celebratory Feast – Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
• Light Yet Satisfying Meal – A great balance of hearty and fresh flavors.

Chef’s Notes: Savory Stuffed Squid

• Ensure squid is fully dried before stuffing – This helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents excess moisture.

• Pair with fresh sides – Serve alongside fragrant jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad to complement textures.

• Experiment with flavors – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fold in chopped cilantro for herbal brightness.

• Optimize meal prep – Stuff squid ahead of time, then grill just before serving for convenience.

• Reuse leftovers creatively – Chopped grilled squid makes an excellent addition to salads or light pasta dishes.

• Adjust marinade intensity – Increase mirin for more sweetness or lime juice for extra tang.

• Customize stuffing ingredients – Try finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms for additional texture.

• Use an indoor grill pan – Perfect for rainy days when outdoor grilling isn’t an option.

• Perfect for entertaining – Serve whole or sliced into bite-sized portions for easy sharing.

• Garnish beautifully – A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions elevates presentation.

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Savory Stuffed Squid

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Course: Main CourseCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

Resting Time

15

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Get ready to fire up your grill for a mouthwatering seafood sensation! These Savory Stuffed Squid tubes deliver a delightful char on the outside and a bright tomato-ginger filling inside. Marinated in soy, mirin, and fresh lime juice, each bite bursts with bold Asian-inspired flavor. A quick brush of golden oil ensures perfect grill marks. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or craving a protein-rich weeknight dinner, this dish thrills both guests and weeknight cooks alike!

Ingredients

• Marinade

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)

• 1 lime juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)

• Stuffing Mix

• 1 cup diced cherry or grape tomatoes

• ¾ cup finely chopped yellow onion

• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

• 2 stalks green onions, cut into 2″ lengths

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Main Protein

• 4 medium squid (tubes separated from tentacles, cleaned and patted dry)

• Finishing Touch

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (in place of annatto oil)

• 8–12 toothpicks to secure squid openings

• Alternative Ingredients

• Soy sauce → tamari gluten-free or coconut aminos

• Mirin → 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tbsp honey

• Lime juice → lemon juice

• Cherry tomatoes → diced Roma tomatoes

• Yellow onion → shallots or red onion

• Olive oil → annatto oil or avocado oil

• Kosher salt → sea salt

• Green onions → chives

• Toothpicks → small bamboo skewers

• Squid → cleaned calamari rings or cuttlefish

Directions

• Marinating – In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, and lime juice. Add cleaned squid tubes and tentacles, toss gently to coat every surface. Cover and let rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize. (Tip: Acidic marinades break down proteins for a softer bite.)
• Prepare Stuffing – While squid marinates, whisk together diced tomatoes, chopped onion, ginger, salt, pepper, and green onion in a separate bowl. This fresh filling needs no cooking, preserving bright color and crunch. (Educational note: Fresh ginger aids digestion and adds aromatic warmth.) Allow 5 minutes to marry flavors.
• Assembly – Drain excess marinade, then spoon roughly 3 tablespoons of the stuffing into each squid tube. Don’t overfill—leave ¼″ at the top—and secure openings with 2 toothpicks each to prevent spills. Optional: tie tubes with kitchen twine for extra security. Plan about 10 minutes for this step.
• Preheat Grill – Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil the grates or use a well-seasoned grill pan to prevent sticking. Preheat for 5 minutes, testing by brushing a drop of water—if it sizzles, you’re ready.
• Grill Squid – Place stuffed tubes on the hot grill. Brush all sides with olive oil every 2 minutes to develop color and prevent drying. Flip frequently and cook for a total of 8–10 minutes, until flesh turns opaque and springy to the touch. Avoid overcooking—tubes should be tender, not rubbery.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• silicone spatula set
• pastry brush
• citrus juicer

Notes

• • Make sure squid is thoroughly cleaned and patted dry to ensure proper browning on the grill.
  • Serve with a side of fragrant jasmine rice or a crunchy cucumber salad to balance textures.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy kick, or fold in chopped cilantro for herbal brightness.
  • To meal-prep, assemble squid in advance and grill just before serving. For indoor cooking, a grill pan or broiler works well.
  • Leftover grilled squid can be chopped into salads or tossed into light pasta dishes the next day.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Potassium: 350mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Vitamin A: 300IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2.5mg

FAQs: Savory Stuffed Squid

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