Savory & Sweet Soy-Glazed Dried Shredded Squid Stir-Fry
Perfect for Kids’ Snacks, Beer Appetizers, and Easy Side Dishes: Simple Soy-Glazed Dried Squid Recipe
Missing home-cooked meals lately? Is your credit card bill soaring from too many restaurant outings? Don’t worry! You can create a wonderful side dish with dried ingredients tucked away in your fridge. Especially for those times you crave something delicious, or need a perfect beer accompaniment, we present this ‘Soy-Glazed Dried Shredded Squid Stir-Fry’. Its chewy yet sweet and savory flavor is simply irresistible, loved by both kids and adults. Shall we get started?
Ingredients
- 150g dried shredded squid
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine or mirin (optional)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, lightly rinse the dried shredded squid under cold water. This step helps to soften the squid and remove any fishy odor or excess seasoning it might have. After rinsing, drain the squid thoroughly in a colander.
Step 2
Add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to the drained shredded squid and gently mix it with your hands. This pre-coating with sesame oil makes the squid more tender and helps it absorb the sauce better later on. (Tip: Mixing in a little mayonnaise at this stage can make the stir-fry even more moist and tender.)
Step 3
Let’s prepare the sauce for the stir-fry. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of cooking wine or mirin. Mix them well. If you don’t have cooking wine or mirin, you can omit it.
Step 4
Place the pre-coated shredded squid into a frying pan over very low heat. Stir-fry it gently for a minute or two. This helps to dry out some of the moisture, giving the squid a slightly chewy texture. Use chopsticks to separate the strands as you stir to prevent clumping.
Step 5
Once some of the moisture has evaporated and the squid looks a bit drier, add the prepared sauce. Quickly mix everything together. It’s crucial to keep the heat on low to prevent the sauce from burning. Stir-fry just until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the squid, then turn off the heat immediately. Overcooking can make it tough.
Step 6
With the heat turned off, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup or oligosaccharide and a generous amount of sesame seeds. Stir well to combine. The corn syrup adds a nice sheen and a subtle sweetness, while the sesame seeds provide a nutty aroma. Don’t skip these!
Step 7
Voila! Your delicious Soy-Glazed Dried Shredded Squid Stir-Fry is ready! It’s incredibly simple yet such a versatile dish, perfect as a side for rice or as a tasty appetizer with drinks. Enjoy your creation!
