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Inihaw na Pusit (Filipino Grilled Stuffed Squid)

Inihaw na Pusit (Filipino Grilled Stuffed Squid)

This Filipino grilled squid (Inihaw na Pusit) transforms fresh jumbo squid through a bold sweet-tangy marinade of honey, vinegar, and aromatics. Each squid is scored, stuffed with fresh tomatoes and onions, then grilled until charred outside while keeping the flesh tender inside. A cornerstone of Filipino seafood cuisine, it bridges street food tradition with home cooking expertise – equally at home as pulutan (beer match) or a family meal centerpiece. The dish exemplifies the Filipino coastal cooking philosophy: simple preparation, fresh ingredients, and that perfect kiss of smoke from the grill.
"Inihaw" means grilled, while "pusit" means squid in Filipino.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 4
Calories 111 kcal
Difficulty Medium

Ingredients
 

For the Squid:

  • 2 jumbo squid about 2 pounds total | Pusit
  • 2 Roma tomatoes finely chopped | Kamatis
  • 1 red onion finely chopped | Sibuyas
  • Salt and pepper to taste | Asin at paminta

For the Marinade (Pinagbabaran):

  • ½ cup honey | Pulot
  • ½ cup brown sugar | Maskobado
  • ½ cup vinegar | Suka
  • 5-6 cloves garlic minced | Bawang
  • 1 thumb-size ginger minced | Luya
  • 2 teaspoons salt | Asin
  • 3 Thai chili peppers minced | Siling pangsigang

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing the marinade (Pinagbabaran). In a mixing bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, salt, and chili peppers. Mix well until the sugar completely dissolves. Divide the marinade into two portions – one for marinating and one for basting while grilling. Set aside.
  • Clean your squid (Paglilinis ng Pusit) by gently pulling the head and tentacles from the body. Remove the clear plastic-like backbone (balakbak) and discard the ink sac (tintang pusit). Rinse the squid thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the outside of the squid in a diamond pattern (guhitan ng diamond pattern sa balat).
  • Prepare your stuffing (Paghahanda ng Palaman) by combining the finely diced tomatoes and chopped onions in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
  • Place the cleaned squid in a large dish and pour half of the prepared marinade over it. Make sure the squid is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate at 4°C/40°F for 1 hour. Do not marinate longer as this can make the squid tough.
  • While the squid is marinating, prepare your grill (Paghahanda ng Ihawan). Heat it to high temperature, around 200°C/400°F. Clean and oil your grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • After marinating, remove the squid from the refrigerator and discard the used marinade. Pat the squid dry with paper towels. This helps achieve better char marks when grilling.
  • Carefully stuff each squid cavity (Paglalagay ng Palaman) with the prepared tomato and onion mixture. Don't overstuff as the vegetables will expand during cooking. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing in place.
  • Place the stuffed squid on the preheated grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the squid turns opaque white and shows light char marks (Pag-iihaw). While grilling, frequently baste with the reserved marinade using a brush (Pagbabrush ng Pinagbabaran). The internal temperature should reach 60°C/140°F.
  • Let the grilled squid rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Remove the toothpicks. Slice the squid into rings if desired, or serve whole.
  • Serve immediately while hot with steamed rice (mainit na kanin) and spiced vinegar dipping sauce (sawsawan). You can make a simple dipping sauce by combining vinegar, minced garlic, chili peppers, and a pinch of salt.
  • To store leftovers (Pag-iimbak), place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating (Pag-iinit), use a grill or broiler for 1-2 minutes per side. Avoid using a microwave as it will make the squid tough and rubbery.

Tips from Lola's Kitchen

  • Choose fresh squid with clear eyes and a sweet ocean smell
  • If using frozen squid, thaw completely in refrigerator overnight
  • Soak squid in milk for 30 minutes before marinating for extra tenderness
  • Don't overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking
  • Watch for flare-ups from dripping marinade
 

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.02gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 1171mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 0.4IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 0.3mg
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