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Quick Baked Stuffed Calamari: Best Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy baked stuffed calamari recipe that captures the festive feeling of a special dinner in just 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound calamari tubes and tentacles, cleaned
  • 1 cup plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare the calamari: rinse tubes under cold water, pat dry, and check inside for any quill or membrane. Cut tentacles into small pieces if using in stuffing.
  3. Make the stuffing: In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped tentacles. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and add beaten egg. Mix until moist but not soggy.
  4. Stuff the calamari tubes: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each tube about three-quarters full. Secure open end with a toothpick.
  5. Arrange in baking dish: Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in dish. Place stuffed calamari in a single layer. Spoon any extra stuffing around them.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until calamari is opaque and stuffing is golden brown.
  7. Remove from oven, squeeze lemon juice over top, and let rest for 2 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
  8. Warm marinara sauce and serve calamari on a bed of sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the calamari; pat tubes dry to avoid rubbery texture. Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing. For extra crunch, toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing. Stuff calamari earlier in the day and refrigerate for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed calamari, baked calamari, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Italian seafood, easy recipe

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/quick-baked-stuffed-calamari-best-easy-20-minute-dinner/