If you’re looking to elevate your seafood game, Greek-Style Baked Stuffed Calamari should be at the top of your list. This dish brings together the tender, slightly sweet flavor of calamari with a savory, herby stuffing that’s full of Mediterranean flair. Perfect for a special occasion or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this stuffed calamari will transport your taste buds straight to the Greek islands.
The secret to this dish lies in the stuffing. A classic Greek filling made of rice, fresh herbs like parsley and dill, garlic, and crumbled feta cheese provides a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. The rice is tender, the herbs fragrant, and the feta adds a creamy, salty richness that complements the calamari perfectly.
To prepare, the calamari tubes are carefully stuffed with the filling, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. They’re then baked until the calamari is tender and the stuffing is golden and slightly crispy on top. The result is a dish that’s both light and hearty, with a wonderful contrast of textures between the tender calamari and the crunchy stuffing.
Greek-Style Baked Stuffed Calamari is often served with a side of lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil, enhancing the fresh flavors and bringing out the natural sweetness of the seafood. It pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad or a side of roasted vegetables, making for a complete Mediterranean meal.
This dish is a great way to enjoy calamari in a new way – it’s not deep-fried but instead baked to retain all the natural flavors while adding a savory, wholesome stuffing. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or new to calamari, this Greek-style dish will make you fall in love with the flavors of the Mediterranean all over again.
Ingredients
- 12 squid large, cleaned and tentacles chopped
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped fresh
- 1/4 cup dill chopped fresh
- 1/4 cup mint chopped fresh
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 Lemon zest and juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the squid tentacles and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, mint, kalamata olives, feta cheese, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff each squid body with the breadcrumb mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Place the stuffed squid in a baking dish and drizzle with some olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the squid is tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Good flavor, but I found it a bit dry. I probably should’ve drizzled more olive oil or added a splash of something to the filling.
Not bad, but I think the squid was a little chewy. Maybe I cooked it too long?
Why do people eat squid? Would rather have chicken!
I think squid has a unique flavor that chicken can’t match! But to each their own. 😄
Way too many ingredients for a simple dish. I prefer it with fewer items.
I get what you mean! Sometimes less is more. But I think the flavors in this dish really come from all those ingredients. It’s worth it!
Too many things, that’s for sure. Why do people not just grill the squid instead? Much simpler, I say!
Why would you even bake calamari? Frying is the only way! Just saying…
I totally get what you’re saying! Frying gives it that crispy texture. But baked calamari can be delicious too, just in a different way!
Nah, baking is better! Less oil, healthier. Frying is so greasy!
Looks good!
The ingredient list is gorgeous. Kalamata olives + mint is such an underrated combo. Will definitely try this soon.
Yes!! The mint + Kalamata really makes it taste Greek-garden-y instead of just salty. I’ve never tried it with calamari, but I’m sold—making this next week.
Soo complex for me. Just not sure I can manage all those ingredients.
Nah, it ain’t that complicated. Just take your time! Follow the steps and you’ll be fine. Trust me!
I get it! It looks hard but maybe just start with simpler recipes first? You can try again later!
I don’t know, it seems too complicated? Stuffing squid? My grandma just fried it. Not sure if I’ll try.
Instructions are clear and the ratios feel right. I like that you cool the skillet before mixing—probably helps keep the filling from getting weird.