Chewy Dried Spear Squid Stir-fry: The Ultimate Recipe for Lunchboxes and Snacks!
A Flavorful Dried Seafood Dish: Stir-fried Dried Spear Squid (Hooraegi)
Introducing a recipe for dried spear squid stir-fry, a beloved staple side dish! Spear squid is also known as ‘hooraegi’ and is a type of cephalopod resembling a baby squid. Its chewy texture and savory flavor make it perfect for lunchboxes or as a quick and delicious snack with drinks. I’ll share my secret to making it wonderfully savory without any fishy taste!
Main Ingredients
- Dried Spear Squid 300g
- Cooking Oil 1 Tbsp
Seasoning for Marinating
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) 1.5 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (or Rice Wine) 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 1.5 Tbsp
- Allulose (or Sugar) 2 Tbsp
Finishing Seasoning
- Vinegar 2 tsp
- Mayonnaise 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds, to taste
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) 1.5 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (or Rice Wine) 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 1.5 Tbsp
- Allulose (or Sugar) 2 Tbsp
Finishing Seasoning
- Vinegar 2 tsp
- Mayonnaise 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Dried spear squid doesn’t require preparation; you can use it as is. You can even eat the internal organs. First, soak the squid in cold water for about 5 minutes to soften it gently. Be careful not to soak for too long, as this can diminish the flavor.
Step 2
After soaking, rinse the dried spear squid thoroughly under cold running water about twice. It’s crucial to drain the water completely using a sieve. Residual moisture can lead to an unpleasant taste when stir-frying.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the dried spear squid with the marinating ingredients: 1.5 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp mirin, 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce, and 2 Tbsp allulose. If you don’t have allulose, you can substitute it with sugar.
Step 4
Adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like it spicier, add a little more gochugaru or gochujang. Adjust the sweetness with allulose or sugar.
Step 5
Gently mix the ingredients with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the spear squid evenly. Let it marinate for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld – this will make it even more delicious.
Step 6
Now it’s time to stir-fry. Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add all the marinated dried spear squid to the pan. It’s better to cook over medium heat rather than high heat.
Step 7
Stir-fry for about 3 minutes. Cook until the seasoning is well absorbed into the squid and it becomes slightly chewy. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the squid tough. Stick to the recommended time.
Step 8
Finally, add all the finishing seasoning ingredients. Add 2 tsp of vinegar for a refreshing flavor and 1 Tbsp of mayonnaise for a creamy texture. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil.
Step 9
Gently toss everything together for about 10 seconds until the finishing seasonings are well combined. Your delicious dried spear squid stir-fry is complete! You can enjoy it immediately, or let it cool and store it in a container for a tasty side dish that lasts.
