Savory and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with Korean Chili Peppers in Soy Sauce: A Delicious Side Dish and Lunchbox Staple
The Perfect Pair: Chewy Squid and Crisp Korean Chili Peppers in a Soy Sauce Braise. Easy Homemade Side Dish and Lunchbox Idea.
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Squid and Korean Chili Pepper Soy Sauce Braise using 2 fresh squid. It’s perfect for when you need to use up squid before it goes bad or when you’re looking for a quick and satisfying side dish. The delightful balance of savory soy sauce, subtle sweetness, and the fragrant hint of chili peppers makes this a wonderful dish for the whole family, ideal as a go-to side dish or a lunchbox addition.
Main Ingredients- 2 prepared squid
- 1 bag of fresh Korean chili peppers (approx. 100g)
- 6 whole garlic cloves (or 1 Tbsp minced garlic)
Savory & Sweet Braising Sauce- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (or seasoned soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp ginger syrup (or 1/2 tsp grated ginger)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 300ml water
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (or seasoned soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp ginger syrup (or 1/2 tsp grated ginger)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 300ml water
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the squid under running water and peel off the skin. Peeling the skin will result in a more tender texture.
Step 2
Cut the peeled squid into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm wide). Avoid cutting them too thinly, as they will shrink during cooking. Slightly thicker pieces are recommended for a better texture.
Step 3
Remove the stems from the Korean chili peppers and wash them thoroughly under running water. If the peppers are large, make a small slit in them to help the sauce penetrate better.
Step 4
Peel the whole garlic cloves. If the garlic cloves are very large, cut them in half. (You can also use minced garlic; if so, mix it directly into the sauce.)
Step 5
In a wide pan, combine all the braising sauce ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, ginger syrup, sugar, water, and corn syrup. Mix well. Add the prepared squid to the sauce and bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 6
Simmer until the squid is cooked and the sauce has reduced to a savory glaze. Be careful not to overcook the squid, as it can become tough. Aim for a consistency where a little sauce remains in the bottom of the pan (approx. 5-7 minutes).
Step 7
Add the prepared Korean chili peppers and whole garlic cloves to the pan. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, or until the chili peppers are slightly tender but still hold their shape. Avoid cooking them until they become mushy.
Step 8
Your delicious Squid and Korean Chili Pepper Soy Sauce Braise is ready!
Step 9
The irresistible sweet and savory flavor combination of this dish is loved by everyone. The unique aroma of the Korean chili peppers adds an extra layer of deliciousness. If you prefer less spice or are making this for children, you can omit the chili peppers or substitute them with other vegetables like onions or mushrooms.
