Savory Stir-Fried Dried Baby Squid Recipe
Super Easy Side Dish! How to Make Delicious Stir-Fried Dried Baby Squid
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for stir-fried dried baby squid that I found at the supermarket. This dish offers a chewy texture and a wonderful savory flavor, making it an excellent banchan (side dish) for rice or a delightful snack to enjoy with a drink. The preparation is incredibly simple, so even beginner cooks can easily follow along!
Main Ingredients- 200g Dried Baby Squid
- 1 Korean Green Chili Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried baby squid. Place 200g of dried baby squid in a bowl and soak it in cold water for about 20 minutes until fully rehydrated. This process will soften the squid and remove any impurities, resulting in a cleaner taste.
Step 2
Trim the stem off the Korean green chili pepper, wash it thoroughly, and then thinly slice it. If you prefer more spice, you can add more peppers, or remove the seeds for a milder heat. Adding it to the stir-fry will infuse a fragrant spiciness and enhance the overall flavor.
Step 3
Gently squeeze out the excess water from the rehydrated squid and place it in a heated pan. Add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil and 2-3 Tbsp of mirin (or soju). Begin to stir-fry. The alcohol from the mirin or soju helps to eliminate any potential fishy odor from the squid, ensuring a cleaner and more savory taste. Stir-fry over medium heat until the squid is slightly cooked.
Step 4
Once the squid is partially cooked, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and the sliced Korean green chili pepper. Then, add 3 Tbsp of soy sauce. Stir well with a spatula to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed and coated on the squid. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning.
Step 5
This is the final seasoning step. Add 2 Tbsp of oligodang for a touch of sweetness and stir-fry for only about 30 seconds. Oligodang can burn if cooked for too long, so stir-fry quickly to achieve a glossy finish.
Step 6
Turn off the heat and let the residual heat from the pan finish the cooking. Add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together to combine. The nutty aroma of the sesame oil and the crunch of the sesame seeds will further enhance the flavor.
Step 7
Your delicious stir-fried dried baby squid is now complete! The chewy texture and the savory, slightly salty taste make it a perfect ‘rice thief.’ Enjoy it served over warm rice or alongside a cold glass of beer.
