Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Bigfin Reef Squid
#SquidRecipe #BigfinReefSquid #HomemadeKoreanFood #SpicySweet #BestAnju
We’re recreating the signature Bigfin Reef Squid Stir-fry from ‘Neodo Nado Sikdang,’ a popular restaurant in Seonyudo Station, known for its whelk ssam밥! This dish features generously sliced, fresh Bigfin Reef Squid coated in a rich, spicy, sweet, and savory homemade sauce, then quickly stir-fried over high heat to achieve a delightfully chewy texture. It’s perfect as a side dish for rice or as a fantastic ‘anju’ (Korean bar snack). Based on gochujang, this stir-fry boasts a deep, complex flavor profile thanks to the addition of doenjang and a blend of other seasonings. The balance of sweetness from maesil extract and honey/corn syrup makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. This versatile sauce can also be used for dishes like stir-fried pork (jeyuk bokkeum) or various braised meals, so be sure to remember it!
Main Ingredients
- 3 Bigfin Reef Squid (approx. 600g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely grate or blend 1/2 onion. This will form the base of your sauce and add a natural sweetness and smoother texture.
Step 2
Add 2 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the grated onion and mix well. The chili flakes will absorb some moisture from the onion, creating a vibrant color.
Step 3
Next, generously add 3 Tbsp of gochujang (Korean chili paste) and 1 Tbsp of doenjang (Korean soybean paste). Doenjang helps to mellow out the saltiness of gochujang and adds a deeper umami flavor. (The ratio of gochujang to doenjang should be about 3:1. Adjust the saltiness primarily using these two pastes.)
Step 4
Incorporate 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 3 Tbsp of chopped scallions, and 1 tsp of grated ginger. Ginger is excellent for removing any fishy odor from the squid, ensuring a cleaner taste.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add sweetness and depth. Stir in 1 Tbsp of maesil extract (plum extract) and 2 Tbsp of honey or corn syrup. (You can adjust the sweetness to your preference, or substitute with sugar if unavailable.) For aroma and to eliminate any unwanted smells, add 1 Tbsp of mirin (or Cheongju/Soju) and a pinch of black pepper. Finally, for a smoky flavor, add 1 Tbsp of gochugaru oil (or chili oil). Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Your delicious squid stir-fry sauce is now complete! This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used not only for squid stir-fry but also for dishes like jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork), cod roe braised dishes, and dried pollock braised dishes. Remember this fantastic sauce!
Step 6
Prepare the Bigfin Reef Squid by washing it thoroughly. Bigfin Reef Squid has a hard internal shell called a ‘quill’ that needs to be removed. Take out the internal organs and ink sac, then rinse well under running water. You can choose to remove the outer skin or leave it on, depending on your preference. After washing, drain the squid well in a colander.
Step 7
Blanch the prepared squid in boiling water for exactly 2 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the squid tough. This quick blanching step helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring your stir-fry doesn’t become watery.
Step 8
Immediately rinse the blanched squid under cold running water. This stops the cooking process, preventing it from becoming rubbery and helping it maintain a firm, pleasant texture.
Step 9
Cut the chilled squid into generous, bite-sized pieces. The chunky size is a key feature of this delicious dish, providing a satisfying chew.
Step 10
In a bowl, combine the sliced squid with the prepared sauce. Gently toss to ensure the squid is evenly coated. For best results, transfer the sauced squid to an airtight container and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the squid deeply.
Step 11
Heat a lightly oiled pan over high heat. Add the marinated squid and stir-fry quickly for about 1-2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the squid. Since the squid was blanched, it cooks very fast. High heat and short cooking time are crucial for maintaining its chewy texture.
Step 12
Transfer the perfectly stir-fried Spicy and Sweet Bigfin Reef Squid to a serving plate. The large, thick pieces of squid are visually appealing and truly whet the appetite, making it perfect for sharing with a drink.
Step 13
Garnish with freshly chopped scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to finish. This dish offers a delightful combination of spicy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors, with the satisfying chew of the chunky Bigfin Reef Squid. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
