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STUFFED GRILLED CALAMARI WITH ANCHOVY AND VEGETABLE FILLING

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
CRISPY FRIED CALAMARI WITH ICE-COLD WATER TEMPURA BATTER — A BEACH VACATION FAVORITE

STUFFED GRILLED CALAMARI WITH ANCHOVY AND VEGETABLE FILLING

This elegant seafood dish features large calamari tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of sautéed vegetables, anchovy, and breadcrumbs, then grilled to tender perfection. It’s a perfect light dinner served with simple boiled potatoes.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min

🍳 Cook Time: 10 min
🍽️ Yields: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 large calamari (about 20 cm / 8 inches long)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 large tomato, peeled and diced
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1 salted anchovy fillet (or a sardine as substitute), finely chopped
  • 50 ml dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Calamari

  • Clean the calamari following trusted instructions. Chop the tentacles finely and set aside.

2. Make the Filling

  • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt until softened.
  • Add the chopped tentacles and anchovy, cooking for 2 more minutes.
  • Stir in the crushed garlic and quickly mix before adding white wine.
  • Let the wine cook off for about 2 minutes.
  • Add diced tomato and simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces. Season with black pepper.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the breadcrumbs. Set filling aside.

3. Stuff and Secure the Calamari

  • Fill each calamari tube with the prepared filling, leaving about 1-2 finger widths of space at the top to allow for shrinking during cooking.
  • Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
  • Note: Stuffed calamari can be refrigerated until ready to cook.

4. Grill the Calamari

  • Preheat a grill pan over high heat and lightly oil it.
  • Place the stuffed calamari on the hot grill.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, then roll onto their sides and grill for an additional minute to cook evenly.
  • The calamari are done when the translucent white tubes turn opaque white and matte.

5. Serve

  • Remove from heat and serve immediately, paired with boiled potatoes or a side of your choice.

💡 Tips

  • Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery calamari — quick, high heat grilling is key.
  • Leaving space at the top of the tubes prevents filling from spilling out.
  • Toothpicks help keep the stuffing intact during cooking.
  • A simple side like boiled potatoes complements the rich filling perfectly.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Elegant seafood dinners
  • Mediterranean-inspired meals
  • Light, flavorful summer dishes

📝 Final Thoughts

Stuffed grilled calamari offers a delightful combination of tender seafood and savory vegetable filling, elevated by a touch of anchovy umami and fresh herbs. Quick to prepare and impressive on the plate, this recipe is a perfect choice for seafood lovers craving a taste of the Mediterranean.