Stuffed Grilled Squid

If you’re looking for a seafood dish that’s both elegant and bursting with bold flavors, Stuffed Grilled Squid is an absolute must-try. This smoky, tender squid is filled with a delicious mixture of herbs, aromatics, and savory fillings, then perfectly grilled to bring out its natural sweetness and charred goodness. Whether served with a zesty dipping sauce or paired with fresh greens, Stuffed Grilled Squid delivers irresistibly satisfying flavors.

What makes Stuffed Grilled Squid special is its balance of texture and taste. The squid remains juicy and tender, while the stuffing—whether made with breadcrumbs, seafood, or vegetables—adds a flavorful contrast. Grilling brings a smoky depth that enhances the mild, briny essence of Stuffed Grilled Squid, making it an impressive yet approachable seafood dish.

The first time I made Stuffed Grilled Squid, I was amazed at how beautifully the flavors came together. The stuffing soaked up all the delicious juices, while the grill marks added an irresistible smoky touch. Since then, Stuffed Grilled Squid has been my go-to for seafood lovers who crave something special.

Now, I prepare Stuffed Grilled Squid for dinner parties, cookouts, or simple weeknight indulgence. Whether garnished with fresh herbs, drizzled with lemon butter, or served with garlic rice, Stuffed Grilled Squid never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Grilled Squid

• Tender, Juicy Squid – Grilled to perfection while keeping its delicate texture.
• Flavorful Stuffing – Infused with herbs, spices, and savory goodness.
• Smoky & Charred Perfection – Grill marks add depth and irresistible aroma.
• Versatile Pairings – Enjoy with sauces, rice, or fresh salads.
• Impressive Yet Simple – A seafood dish that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare.

Health Benefits of Stuffed Grilled Squid

• High in Lean Protein – Perfect for muscle-building and satiety.
• Rich in Omega-3s – Supports heart and brain health.
• Packed with Essential Vitamins – Squid provides key nutrients like B12 and iron.
• Low in Calories – A light yet satisfying dish.
• Naturally Gluten-Free – Great for a clean, wholesome meal.

When to Make Stuffed Grilled Squid

• Seafood Lover’s Delight – A must-have for any seafood enthusiast.
• Outdoor BBQ or Cookout – Brings bold flavors to your grilling session.
• Special Occasion Dish – A restaurant-worthy meal made at home.
• Healthy & Satisfying Dinner – Light yet packed with flavor.
• Date Night or Dinner Party Favorite – A stylish, elegant seafood dish.

Chef’s Notes: Stuffed Grilled Squid

• Ensure squid is completely dry before stuffing – This prevents excess steam, keeping the texture firm and avoiding sogginess.

• Boost flavor with additional aromatics – Toss minced garlic or fresh parsley into the stuffing for a richer taste.

• Maintain squid tenderness – Grill over medium heat instead of high heat to avoid a rubbery texture.

• Pair with complementary sides – A light green salad or coconut-infused rice enhances the overall meal.

• Experiment with dipping sauces – Try a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for a sweet-savory balance.

• Make it meal-prep friendly – Stuff squid ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to grill for quick cooking.

• Adjust spice levels – Use more Thai chilies or swap for serranos based on desired heat intensity.

• Swap ingredients for dietary needs – Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.

• Elevate presentation – Garnish with lemon zest or sliced scallions for a polished look.

• Customize stuffing – Swap tomatoes for diced bell peppers or add cooked rice for a heartier filling.

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Stuffed Grilled Squid

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

18

minutes

Calories

110

kcal

Total time

33

minutes

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this sensational stuffed grilled squid! Inspired by vibrant Filipino street-food flair, this recipe marries tender calamari tubes with a tangy tomato-onion stuffing and a bold soy-lemon dip. It’s under 35 minutes from prep to plate, super affordable, and infinitely customizable—perfect for casual weeknight dinners or summer BBQs. Dive into expert tips, time-saving tricks, and enjoy a protein-packed, low-fat dish that wows every crowd. Let’s fire up that grill and get cooking!

Ingredients

• Stuffing Mix

• 1/2 cup finely cubed tomato about 1 medium

• 1/3 cup minced yellow onion 1 small onion

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• Main Protein

• 4 medium squid tubes cleaned (approx. 3/4 lb total)

• Zesty Dip

• 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• Juice of 1/2 lemon lemon juice about 1 Tbsp

• 4 thinly sliced Thai chilies

• Alternative Ingredients

• Lemon juice → Lime juice for milder acidity

• Low-sodium soy sauce → Tamari or coconut aminos gluten-free

• Thai chilies → Red pepper flakes or sliced serranos

• Yellow onion → Shallots milder, sweeter profile

• Fresh tomato → Cherry tomatoes quartered

• Squid tubes → Calamari rings or small octopus cups

• Kosher salt → Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt

Directions

• Aromatic Prep – In a medium bowl, combine the finely cubed tomato and minced onion. Sprinkle the kosher salt over the vegetables to draw out excess moisture; this intensifies their natural sweetness. Toss with freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated. (Approx. 5 minutes)
• Squid Assembly – Pat each squid tube dry with paper towels so the stuffing adheres better. Gently spoon the tomato-onion mix into the tubes, taking care not to overfill—it should bulge slightly but maintain shape. Optional: Secure ends with small bamboo skewers to keep the filling intact. (Approx. 5 minutes)
• Grill Setup – Preheat a cast iron skillet or heavy grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush or spray the surface with oil; a hot, well-oiled pan prevents sticking and promotes perfect char marks. Proper preheating ensures even cooking and a smoky flavor. (Approx. 3 minutes)
• Grilling Process – Place the stuffed squid seam-side down and let it cook undisturbed until grill lines form and the edges begin to curl—about 6 to 8 minutes. Flip carefully using tongs and grill the other side for another 6 to 8 minutes. Cook just until the squid turns opaque and springy; overcooking yields a rubbery texture. (Approx. 16 minutes)
• Sauce Creation – While the squid grills, whisk together soy sauce, sliced Thai chilies, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust heat by adding more chilies or a dash of sugar to balance the saltiness. This quick assembly enhances the dish’s bold flavors. (Approx. 2 minutes)
• Serving Suggestion – Transfer the piping-hot squid to a serving platter and garnish with additional lemon wedges or chopped fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately alongside the zesty soy dip for dipping each tender bite. Enjoy with a crisp salad or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce. (Approx. 2 minutes)

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• Cast Iron Skillet
• citrus juicer

Notes

• • Pat the squid completely dry before stuffing to avoid steam pockets.
  • Feel free to toss minced garlic or chopped parsley into the stuffing for extra aroma.
  • To keep squid tender, avoid high heat when grilling—medium works best.
  • Serve with a light green salad or coconut-infused rice to round out the meal.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 110kcal
• Fat: 0.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Vitamin A: 150IU
• Vitamin C: 8mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 1mg

FAQs: Stuffed Grilled Squid

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