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Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari

Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari: A Seafood Delight You’ll Love

Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari features tender squid filled with delicious stuffing, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing
  • 10-15 whole squid whole squid These squid tubes are the star vessel for your flavorful stuffing.
  • 8 ounces ground sweet Italian sausage Consider using turkey sausage for a lighter dish.
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic If fresh isn’t handy, garlic powder can be an acceptable replacement.
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes Feel free to omit if you prefer a milder taste.
  • ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs Can be swapped for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Basil makes a lovely replacement if parsley is lacking.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to your personal taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground pepper really elevates the taste.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Can substitute with canola oil if desired.
  • 3 cups Italian gravy or marinara sauce Feel free to use homemade or your favorite store-bought sauce.

Equipment

  • oven-safe skillet
  • Food processor
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Italian Stuffed Calamari
  1. Clean the whole squid under cold running water. Remove the body from the head, and separate the tentacles. Pat the squid tubes dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground sweet Italian sausage. Brown the sausage for about 5 minutes until fully cooked and crumbled.
  3. Transfer the cooked sausage mixture into a food processor along with the chopped tentacles, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Pulse until well combined.
  4. Carefully stuff each squid tube with your sausage filling, leaving a little space at the top to prevent overflow.
  5. Return the skillet to medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the stuffed calamari into the skillet. Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side.
  6. Pour the marinara sauce over the seared stuffed calamari and cover the skillet. Transfer to a preheated oven set at 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure the squid is cleaned thoroughly to enhance the overall flavor. Avoid overstuffing the squid tubes to prevent leaks during cooking.

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