Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek stuffed calamari offers a perfect combination of textures and tastes. The tender calamari pairs beautifully with the flavorful stuffing, and the marinara sauce adds a rich depth to the dish. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply want to explore new Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s an elegant dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time and is ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Greek Stuffed Calamari:
- 1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and tentacles separated
- 1 cup cooked rice (preferably short-grain or arborio)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion.
- Add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice to the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything together until fully combined. The filling should be aromatic and flavorful, so don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Step 2: Stuff the Calamari
- Take your cleaned calamari tubes and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each calamari tube with the rice and feta mixture. Be sure not to overfill them, as the calamari will shrink slightly while cooking. Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion.
- Once filled, secure the open end of each calamari tube with a toothpick or a small skewer to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Calamari
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the stuffed calamari in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
- Once browned, remove the calamari from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté any leftover chopped onion and garlic until they are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add the stuffed calamari back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them.
- Cover the skillet and let the calamari simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and ensure the calamari is cooked through.
Step 5: Serve the Dish
- Once the calamari are cooked, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter.
- Spoon the marinara sauce over the top of the calamari, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Breadcrumbs: For some added texture, you can mix in a handful of breadcrumbs with the filling mixture for a bit of crunch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes or Artichoke Hearts: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the filling for a richer Mediterranean flavor.
- Spicy Version: Increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a touch of chopped fresh chili for a spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a little extra marinara sauce or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Calamari
- Make sure to clean the calamari thoroughly before stuffing. If you’re unsure how to clean them, ask your fishmonger to do it for you.
- Don’t overstuff the calamari to prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some breadcrumbs to the filling mixture for texture.
- Leftover filling can be baked in a small dish with marinara sauce and cheese for a delicious side dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen calamari for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen calamari. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before stuffing.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the calamari.
3. How can I prevent the calamari from being rubbery?
Be sure not to overcook the calamari. Simmering them gently in the sauce after frying will ensure they stay tender.
4. Can I make this dish without marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use a different sauce like a lemon-butter sauce or even a white wine sauce for a different flavor profile.
5. Can I bake the stuffed calamari instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown on top. You can also bake them with the marinara sauce for a saucier result.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella if you prefer a different flavor.
7. Can I freeze stuffed calamari?
While the stuffed calamari can be frozen before cooking, it’s best to cook them fresh for the best texture. If freezing, wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container. Thaw overnight before cooking.
8. How do I clean calamari?
To clean calamari, remove the head, tentacles, and innards, and rinse the body tube under cold water. Be sure to remove the transparent cartilage and any remaining skin.
9. Can I add other seafood to the stuffing?
Absolutely! You can add crab meat, scallops, or shrimp to the filling mixture for a seafood medley.
10. What can I serve with Greek stuffed calamari?
Pair this dish with a refreshing Greek salad, lemony rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
Greek Stuffed Calamari is a stunning and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With its tender calamari, savory stuffing, and rich marinara sauce, it’s perfect for a dinner party or a special family meal. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or new to calamari, this dish is sure to impress and delight with every bite.
Greek Stuffed Calamari: A Delicious Recipe for Seafood Lovers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Stuffed Calamari is a flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring tender calamari filled with a savory mixture of rice, feta cheese, olives, and herbs, topped with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh calamari, cleaned and tentacles separated
1 cup cooked rice (preferably short-grain or arborio)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and mix everything until well combined.
- Stuff the Calamari: Pat the calamari tubes dry with a paper towel. Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each calamari tube with the rice and feta mixture. Leave a little space at the top for expansion, then secure with a toothpick or small skewer.
- Cook the Calamari: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Place the stuffed calamari in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the calamari and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Place the stuffed calamari back into the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the Dish: Once the calamari are cooked, remove from the skillet and place on a serving platter. Spoon marinara sauce over the top and garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
For extra texture, add breadcrumbs to the filling.
Sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts can be added for a richer Mediterranean flavor.
Increase heat by adding more red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed calamari
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
