Grilled Stuffed Squid Skewers with Lemon and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Grilled Squid Skewers (Spiedini di Calamari)
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squid:
Begin by preparing the squid. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Gently pull the head away from the body, ensuring not to tear the mantle. Remove the internal cartilage, also known as the “pen,” and peel away the skin from the mantle. Rinse the inside of the mantle once more under running water to ensure it’s clean. Take the tentacles and carefully cut off the eyes using a small knife, then remove the central beak by gently pushing it upward. The total weight of the cleaned squid should be around 550g.

2. Make the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Grate the zest of one lemon into the breadcrumbs and add freshly chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and white pepper, then stir the ingredients together to combine evenly.

3. Stuff the Squid:
Take each cleaned squid and stuff them with approximately two teaspoons of the breadcrumb mixture and two teaspoons of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. When stuffing, ensure that the bay leaves are inserted into the squid as they will add flavor during cooking, but remember to remove them before serving. Once filled, gently reposition the tentacles back onto the open end of the squid.

4. Coat the Squid:
Place the stuffed squid on a flat surface, such as a cutting board, and lightly coat them with the remaining breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres to both sides of the squid.

5. Heat the Grill Pan:
Preheat a grill pan over medium-low heat. Allow it to get sufficiently hot before placing the squid skewers on the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan so that the heat is evenly distributed for proper grilling.

6. Grill the Squid:
Place the stuffed squid onto the preheated grill pan. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning them with a fork and knife to avoid tearing them. To ensure even cooking, make shallow cuts on the surface of the squid to help them cook through. The total cooking time should be around 15 minutes, but this can vary depending on the size of the squid.

7. Prepare the Citronette:
While the squid is cooking, prepare a simple citronette by combining lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Whisk them together until fully emulsified.

8. Serve the Squid:
Once the squid is grilled to a tender, golden perfection, serve them on a platter over a bed of fresh lettuce. Drizzle the lemon citronette over the top for a refreshing, zesty finish.

These grilled squid skewers, or spiedini di calamari, make a perfect Mediterranean-inspired main dish for any occasion. The delicate flavor of the squid is enhanced by the fresh herbs, the bite of sun-dried tomatoes, and the tangy lemon citronette. The cooking process ensures the squid is tender while maintaining a light crispness on the outside from the breadcrumb coating. Enjoy this dish with a side of fresh salad or as part of a larger seafood feast.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This recipe for spiedini di calamari brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for a warm evening meal or a special seafood dinner. With the zesty lemon dressing and the rich depth of sun-dried tomatoes, it’s an unforgettable dish. You can even serve these squid skewers as part of a delightful appetizer spread, paired with a crisp white wine for the ultimate dining experience.