Grilled Stuffed Squid

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized squid (approximately 500g / 1.1lb) 4 medium-sized squid (approximately 500g / 1.1lb)
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 8g / 3g saturated
• Carbohydrates: 20g / 2g sugars
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Clean the squid by removing the head, tentacles, and innards. Rinse the squid thoroughly under cold water and pat dry.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff each squid with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are filled but not overly packed.
5. 5.
   Secure the opening of each squid with a toothpick to prevent the stuffing from falling out during grilling.
6. 6.
   Brush the squid with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. 7.
   Place the squid on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the squid is cooked through and has a golden-brown color.
8. 8.
   Remove the toothpicks before serving.
9. 9.
   Serve the Grilled Stuffed Squid hot, accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Squid — When cleaning the squid, be gentle to avoid tearing the delicate flesh. Remove the transparent cartilage from the body and discard it. The tentacles can be included in the stuffing for added flavor and texture.
• Breadcrumbs — For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond meal or crushed rice crackers.
• Olive oil — Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Garlic — Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference for garlic intensity.
• Parsley — Opt for fresh parsley as it adds a vibrant taste to the stuffing.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the squid from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates before placing the squid on them.
• Marinating the squid in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before stuffing and grilling can enhance the flavors.
• Serve the Grilled Stuffed Squid with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the stuffing, such as oregano or paprika, to add your own twist to the dish.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can coat the stuffed squid in flour or cornmeal before grilling.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Stuffed Squid as a main course, accompanied by a side of fresh salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The dish pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Croatian Graševina or a Sauvignon Blanc.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Grilled Stuffed Squid on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley leaves and lemon wedges. The golden-brown color of the squid against the vibrant green parsley creates an appealing visual contrast.