Soft Stir-Fried Dried Shredded Squid: The Epitome of a Korean Side Dish
The Perfect Balance of Chewy and Tender! Dried Shredded Squid Everyone Loves
Let’s make the beloved national side dish, stir-fried dried shredded squid (Jinmichae)! This recipe ensures it’s not dry but wonderfully tender, with the sauce deeply absorbed, making you finish a bowl of rice in no time. It’s made with simple ingredients, perfect for housewarming parties or as a snack for kids.
Key Ingredients for Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Jinmichae
- 400g dried shredded squid (Hong Jinmichae)
- A little cold water (to moisten the squid)
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (for subtle sweetness and shine)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (basic seasoning for umami)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (for sweet and sour taste and tenderizing)
- 1 Tbsp ginger extract (to remove fishy smell and enhance flavor)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce (for deep umami flavor)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (red chili paste, for spiciness)
- 1.5 Tbsp mayonnaise (the secret to tenderness!)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (for extra shine and sweetness)
- Plenty of sesame seeds (essential for nuttiness!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 400g of dried shredded squid (Hong Jinmichae). Place it in a bowl and add just enough cold water to cover. Let it soak for about 5 minutes until it becomes moist. This step is the first step to making the squid tender!
Step 2
Drain the soaked squid slightly in a sieve. Then, tear it by hand or cut it with scissors into bite-sized pieces (about 5-7cm long). Cutting it too short can cause it to break apart during stir-frying, so aim for a moderate length.
Step 3
Return the prepared squid to the bowl. To help the sauce absorb better, add just a tiny bit of water (about 1-2 tablespoons). Be careful not to add too much, as it can become mushy.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the delicious seasonings! First, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a subtle sweetness and a beautiful sheen.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. This is the base seasoning that will enhance the savory umami flavor of the squid.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of plum extract. It adds a sweet and sour note and also helps to tenderize the dried squid.
Step 7
Add 1 tablespoon of ginger extract. This will eliminate any fishy smell from the squid and add a rich aroma.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce to deepen the umami flavor. Oyster sauce is a true gem for stir-fries!
Step 9
If you like it spicy, add 2 tablespoons of gochujang (red chili paste). This is the key ingredient for the spicy and sweet flavor profile.
Step 10
This is the secret to tenderness! Add 1.5 tablespoons of mayonnaise. It adds a creamy, savory element and makes the texture wonderfully soft. Say goodbye to dry, tough squid!
Step 11
Finally, add 2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide for an extra glossy finish and more sweetness. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 12
Once all the ingredients are added, mix everything well with your hands, ensuring the sauce coats the squid evenly. Kneading for about 2-3 minutes helps the sauce penetrate better. Now it’s ready to stir-fry! Lightly oil a pan and cook the squid over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Finally, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for double the nutty flavor! Your delicious, tender stir-fried dried shredded squid, a beloved national side dish, is ready!.
Step 13
Isn’t it simple? Enjoy this moist and tender stir-fried dried shredded squid without any dryness! Make this super easy recipe for a delicious side dish to accompany your warm rice. Everyone, young and old, will love this taste. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
