Spicy & Sweet Stir-fried Squid Udon Noodles
Spicy & Sweet Stir-fried Squid Udon Noodles
Easy Homemade Squid Stir-fry Udon Recipe
Experience the irresistible combination of chewy udon noodles coated in a vibrant, spicy, and sweet squid stir-fry sauce! This recipe swaps traditional somen noodles for thick, satisfying udon, creating a more luxurious texture. Perfect for a delightful and impressive meal at home that the whole family will love. Let’s make it tonight!
Main Ingredients (Serves 4)- 2 fresh squid (approx. 400-500g), cleaned and prepared
- 4 servings of chewy udon noodles
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp sugar (for stir-frying squid)
Special Stir-fry Sauce- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the squid. Remove the innards and quill, then peel off the skin if desired. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2 cm wide, and set aside to drain excess water. Proper preparation prevents the dish from becoming too watery.
Step 2
Peel and wash the onion, then slice it into pieces similar in size to the squid, or chop it coarsely. The onion will add a natural sweetness as it cooks.
Step 3
The secret to a delicious stir-fry! Prepare the special sauce. In a bowl, combine 5 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin), and 1 Tbsp sugar. Mix well with a spoon until smooth and no lumps remain. You can make this ahead of time to save cooking time.
Step 4
Heat 3 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared squid and sliced onion. Sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of sugar and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the squid is slightly cooked and the onion becomes translucent. Adding sugar at this stage helps tenderize the squid and gives it a nice sheen.
Step 5
Pour all the prepared sauce into the pan with the squid and onion. Stir everything together to ensure the sauce coats the ingredients evenly.
Step 6
Now, turn the heat up to high. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes over high heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. High heat cooking for a short time prevents the squid from becoming tough and keeps it tender, while concentrating the sauce’s deliciousness. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 7
Time to cook the udon noodles. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the udon noodles and stir gently with chopsticks to separate them as they cook, preventing them from sticking together. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until al dente.
Step 8
Drain the cooked udon noodles and place them in a serving bowl. Top generously with the prepared squid stir-fry. For an extra touch, sprinkle with shredded seaweed (gim) or sesame seeds. Mix everything well and enjoy immediately while it’s warm! You’ll love the delightful chewiness of the noodles paired with the spicy, sweet squid. Enjoy your meal!
