Spicy & Sweet Dried Shredded Squid Stir-fry: A Beloved Korean Side Dish Recipe
Spicy & Sweet Dried Shredded Squid Stir-fry: A Beloved Korean Side Dish Recipe
A Hugely Popular Korean Side Dish Loved by Everyone, from Elementary Schoolers to Adults: Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Dried Shredded Squid
Introducing ‘Jinmichae Bokkeum’ (Stir-fried Dried Shredded Squid), a beloved national side dish that appeals to everyone from children to adults! The sweet and spicy gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce creates a fantastic harmony with the chewy dried squid, making it an irresistible rice companion. Try this simple yet delicious recipe to capture the taste buds of your entire family!
Main Ingredients- 150g dried shredded squid (about 2 cups)
- A little cooking oil (optional, to prevent sticking)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the 150g of dried shredded squid. Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces (about 5-7cm long) for easier eating and better sauce absorption. Gently rinse the cut squid under cold running water and lightly squeeze out excess moisture. This step helps reduce any distinct smell from the squid and results in a cleaner flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce! In a pan, combine 1.5 Tbsp gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, a pinch of minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix them all together thoroughly. Combining all ingredients at once makes it much easier to coat the squid later.
Step 3
Place the pan with the mixed sauce over low heat. Let the sauce simmer gently until you see small bubbles forming around the edges. Simmering the sauce first helps the flavors meld together, creating a richer taste. Be careful not to cook over high heat, as this can burn the sauce.
Step 4
As soon as the sauce starts to bubble, turn off the heat immediately. Add the prepared dried shredded squid to the pan. Stir-frying the squid using only the residual heat from the pan prevents it from becoming tough and ensures the sauce coats it evenly. If the pan feels too dry, you can add a tiny amount of cooking oil.
Step 5
Using a spatula or chopsticks, gently toss and mix the dried shredded squid with the sauce until it’s evenly coated. Ensure every piece of squid is well-covered with the delicious sauce. Finally, sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds and toss lightly. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 6
After stir-frying, it’s best to let the dish cool slightly before serving. This allows the sauce to adhere better to the squid, giving it a chewier texture. Once cooled, transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. Garnish with a little more sesame seeds if desired for an appealing presentation and even more flavor. Store in the refrigerator; it tastes even better the next day!
