Crispy Fried Squid Recipe by Chef Choi Hyun-seok (with Thyme Sauce)
Crispy Fried Squid Recipe by Chef Choi Hyun-seok (with Thyme Sauce)
TV Recipe Recreation: Chef Choi Hyun-seok’s Fried Squid from Sumi Ne Banchan
Today, I tried making the special fried squid recipe taught by Chef Choi Hyun-seok on ‘Sumi Ne Banchan.’ I was surprised by how simple the preparation was, and I couldn’t resist trying it because I was so curious about the unique sauce! The harmony of crispy outside, chewy inside squid, and the fragrant thyme sauce is truly captivating. This is a recommended recipe for when you want to enjoy a special dish at home!
Fried Squid Ingredients- 3 fresh squids
- Generous amount of cooking oil for frying
- Milk (for removing fishy smell), adequate amount
- Frying powder (for crispiness), adequate amount
- Breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness and color), adequate amount
Fragrant Thyme Sauce Ingredients- Mayonnaise (for richness), 3 Tbsp
- Fresh thyme (for unique aroma), a little
- Lemon (for freshness), 1/2 (juice only)
- Honey (for sweetness adjustment), 1 Tbsp
- Mayonnaise (for richness), 3 Tbsp
- Fresh thyme (for unique aroma), a little
- Lemon (for freshness), 1/2 (juice only)
- Honey (for sweetness adjustment), 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the special thyme sauce that adds flavor to the fried squid. In a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Finely chop fresh thyme and add it to the bowl. Squeeze the juice from 1/2 lemon and add it, then add 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir everything together until well combined. Your fresh and fragrant sauce is ready!
Step 2
Next, it’s time to prepare the star ingredient: squid. Clean and cut 3 squids into bite-sized pieces. Removing the skin of the squid ensures that the batter adheres well and results in a tender texture.
Step 3
Chef Choi Hyun-seok’s unique secret! Pour milk over the squid. This helps eliminate the fishy smell and makes the squid meat even more tender. Pour enough milk to cover the squid and let it soak for a while. (This step is optional, but since it’s the chef’s tip, try following it!)
Step 4
Lightly pat the squid dry after soaking in milk, then place it in the frying powder and toss to coat evenly. It’s important to ensure the frying powder sticks uniformly to the surface of the squid.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to fry the coated squid until crispy. Pour a generous amount of cooking oil into a pot and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is adequately hot, add the squid coated only in frying powder and fry. (Tip: Using only frying powder might not result in the crispiness you desire. For extra crispiness, after coating with frying powder, dip the squid in breadcrumbs before frying. This will make it golden brown and wonderfully crunchy.)
Step 6
As you can see in the photo, the fried squid coated in breadcrumbs has a more appealing golden-brown color and looks crispier. Place the golden-fried squid on paper towels briefly to absorb excess oil.
Step 7
In the TV show, they finished the fried squid by drizzling the sauce and sprinkling chopped green onions on top. I served it with the prepared thyme sauce and garnished the edge of the plate with leftover thyme leaves for a more attractive presentation.
Step 8
This fresh and vibrant thyme sauce is truly captivating! The blend of fragrant thyme, zesty lemon, and smooth honey awakens the palate and cuts through the richness of the fried squid. It’s a sauce that can’t go wrong, so be sure to make it!
