Chewy, Sweet, and Spicy Stir-Fried Dried Squid Recipe
Chewy, Sweet, and Spicy Stir-Fried Dried Squid Recipe
Making Deliciously Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Dried Squid
Hello everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for delicious stir-fried dried squid that will make your meals more satisfying. Dried squid (ojingeochae) is made by drying squid and slicing it thinly, making it a popular ingredient for side dishes and lunchboxes for people of all ages. I’ll also share tips on how to choose fresh dried squid. Look for pieces that are evenly dried, have a consistent color, and smell fresh without any spoilage. To keep it fresh longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or freeze it for extended storage. Dried squid is low in fat, low in calories, and high in protein, making it a healthy choice, even for those on a diet. Today, we’ll be making stir-fried dried squid, adapted from Chef Jinju Jeon’s recipe, to make it even more tender and flavorful.
Main Ingredients- 1 packet dried squid (approx. 140g)
- 1 Tbsp canola oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your dried squid. High-quality white dried squid (baekjinmi) is recommended. It should be well-dried but not overly hard.
Step 2
Here’s the secret to tender dried squid! Marinate it with 3 tablespoons of rice wine (mirin) to moisten it thoroughly. Some people steam it, but while it might seem tender initially, it can become tougher later. I recommend this marinating method. This tip is adapted from Chef Jinju Jeon’s technique.
Step 3
Cover the marinated dried squid with plastic wrap and let it sit while you prepare the sauce. This allows the dried squid to absorb the moisture from the rice wine, making it very soft.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of fine gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of oligosaccharide, and 2 tablespoons of plum extract. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed. The balance of sweet and spicy is just perfect.
Step 5
Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared sauce and stir-fry it lightly. Once the sauce starts to simmer gently, turn off the heat and let it cool down slightly. It’s best to toss the dried squid when the sauce is warm, not piping hot, as this helps the seasoning penetrate well and prevents burning.
Step 6
Add the softened dried squid to the pan with the sauce. It’s better to use plastic gloves and mix with your hands rather than a spatula. This ensures the seasoning coats the squid evenly, giving it a beautiful color and flavor.
Step 7
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for added aroma and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor.
Step 8
Gently mix everything once more to ensure the sesame oil and seeds are well incorporated into the dried squid. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 9
And there you have it – perfectly chewy, tender, sweet, and spicy stir-fried dried squid! It’s delicious served over hot rice as a simple meal, or as a flavorful side dish to accompany your other dishes.
