Chewy Giant Squid Jjajangmyeon
Chewy Giant Squid Jjajangmyeon
A Day to Make Giant Squid Jjajangmyeon
I went to the market and found a giant squid, so I couldn’t resist buying it! My initial plan was to make fried squid, but I got too hungry before I could even prepare the batter. So, I decided to make a quick bowl of Jjajangmyeon first. And oh my, it was absolutely delicious! The combination of tender squid and savory Jjajangmyeon sauce was a revelation. This is a must-try recipe for seafood lovers who enjoy Korean instant noodles.
Main Ingredients- 2 packs Jjajangmyeon noodles
- 400g body of giant squid
- 2 stalks scallions
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 30ml cooking wine (or sake/mirin)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the giant squid body by peeling off the outer skin. You only need the smooth squid mantle for this recipe.
Step 2
Slice the squid mantle into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5cm wide. Slicing them not too thin will give a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 30ml of cooking wine (or sake/mirin) to the boiling water. Gently blanch the sliced squid for about 1 minute, or until it just starts to firm up and some foam appears. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough.
Step 4
Immediately rinse the blanched squid under cold running water to clean it thoroughly. Drain it well in a colander. This step helps to remove any residual fishy smell and keeps the squid tender and springy.
Step 5
Now, let’s cook the Jjajangmyeon noodles. Bring water to a boil in a pot and add the Jjajangmyeon noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture.
Step 6
When the noodles are almost cooked, add all the Jjajangmyeon seasoning packets (oil sauce, dried vegetable flakes, and black bean paste powder). Reserve a little of the cooking water, then stir everything together vigorously as it simmers. Ensure the paste is well incorporated and not clumpy.
Step 7
Finally, add the blanched squid pieces to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes over medium-low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the squid. This step infuses the squid with the rich flavor of the black bean sauce.
Step 8
Serve the delicious squid Jjajangmyeon in a bowl. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions. Enjoy the fantastic combination of chewy squid and savory Jjajangmyeon!
