Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with Sauce
Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with Sauce
How to Make Stir-fried Squid with a Savory Sauce
A recipe for stir-fried squid bursting with flavor, perfect for a delicious meal. This dish features tender squid and crisp vegetables coated in a delicious, slightly saucy glaze, making it a fantastic accompaniment to rice.
Main Ingredients- 2 Squids (about 300g body)
- 1/2 medium Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the 2 squids under running water. Remove the skin, guts, beak, and eyes. This preparation ensures a tender texture and removes any fishy odors, making the dish even more enjoyable.
Step 2
On the inner side of the squid bodies, make diagonal slits. This scoring allows the sauce to penetrate deeply, infusing the squid with maximum flavor and contributing to a more tender bite. While optional, scoring is highly recommended for the best taste.
Step 3
Cut the scored squid into bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are easy to eat in one go. Cutting them too large might prevent the sauce from absorbing well, while cutting them too small could cause them to shrink significantly when cooked.
Step 4
Peel and wash the onion, then slice it into thin strips, about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them moderately thick will help maintain a pleasant crunch even after stir-frying.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the delicious sauce. In a bowl, add 1.5 tablespoons of Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for vibrant color and a pleasant spiciness.
Step 6
Next, add 1 tablespoon of sugar for sweetness and 0.5 tablespoon of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a rich, complex flavor. You can adjust the amount of Gochujang according to your spice preference.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a fragrant aroma and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce to season the dish. Using regular soy sauce will add a deeper umami flavor.
Step 8
Finally, for a glossy finish, add 0.5 tablespoon of Oligodang (corn syrup). Then, add 1 tablespoon of plum extract for a hint of fruitiness and tenderness, and a pinch of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Mix all the sauce ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 9
Heat a stir-fry pan over medium heat and add about 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Ensure the pan is well-heated before adding the ingredients; this prevents sticking and helps achieve a good sear.
Step 10
Add the prepared squid and the sauce mixture to the hot pan. Stir-fry quickly, ensuring the sauce coats the squid evenly. Continuous stirring is key to proper cooking.
Step 11
Continue stir-frying the squid for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns opaque white and becomes firm and slightly curled. Avoid overcooking, as squid can become tough if cooked for too long. This short cooking time is crucial for tender squid.
Step 12
When the squid is almost cooked through, pour in 1/2 cup (approximately 100ml) of water. This addition will create a savory, slightly soupy sauce that is perfect for spooning over rice and keeps the dish moist. Simmer over medium heat for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 13
Once the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency, add the sliced onions to the pan. Stir-fry just until the onions become slightly translucent and softened, about halfway through cooking. This brief cooking time preserves their delightful crunch. Your delicious stir-fried squid is now ready to be enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice!
