Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Squid: Easy Recipe with Frozen Squid!
The Ultimate Stir-Fried Squid Recipe: Perfect Harmony of Golden Ratio Sauce and Fresh Ingredients
Here’s a recipe for spicy and sweet stir-fried squid that you can whip up in just 10 minutes using frozen squid, perfect for when guests arrive unexpectedly or you’re craving something delicious. Using easy-to-thaw frozen squid saves time, and the golden ratio sauce adds an incredible depth of flavor. This dish is a true rice-lover’s dream, so get ready for a delightful meal!
Main Ingredients
- 1 large squid (about the size of an adult man’s palm)
- 1 cup of fresh cabbage (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 sweet onion (sliced diagonally or julienned)
- 1 green onion (cut into large segments and then lengthwise)
- 1 spicy Cheongyang pepper (adjust to taste, sliced diagonally)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color, sliced diagonally)
Golden Ratio Sauce
- 2-3 Tbsp cooking oil or pure olive oil
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp guk-ganjang (Korean soy sauce for soup, or regular soy sauce)
- A pinch of black pepper (dash dash dash dash)
- 3 Tbsp mirin or rice wine (for removing gamey smell and adding flavor)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (generous amount!)
- 1-2 Tbsp sugar or allulose (to adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 dried ginger pieces (or 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger)
- 2-3 Tbsp cooking oil or pure olive oil
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp guk-ganjang (Korean soy sauce for soup, or regular soy sauce)
- A pinch of black pepper (dash dash dash dash)
- 3 Tbsp mirin or rice wine (for removing gamey smell and adding flavor)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (generous amount!)
- 1-2 Tbsp sugar or allulose (to adjust sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 dried ginger pieces (or 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let me tell you about the size of the squid! The squid used in this recipe is a generous size, about the span of an adult man’s palm. (If you’re a woman with larger hands, you can use a similar size!)
Step 2
Making score marks on the squid helps the sauce penetrate better and makes it look prettier! (Oops, I forgot to take a picture of that step.) Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces, about the width of your finger. Frozen squid thaws quickly in cold water, becoming tender.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the Cheongyang peppers and onions diagonally or julienne them for a spicy kick and sweetness. Cut the green onions into large segments and then slice them lengthwise for a fresh aroma.
Step 4
For the cabbage, you can cut it into large chunks or chop it more roughly. Cutting it slightly larger will give it a more satisfying chew. Avoid cutting the vegetables too finely, as they can become mushy when cooked.
Step 5
Once all the ingredients are prepped, it’s time to make the golden ratio sauce that determines the flavor of your stir-fried squid! In a wide bowl, combine 2-3 Tbsp cooking oil or pure olive oil, 2 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, a dash of black pepper, 3 Tbsp mirin or rice wine, a generous tablespoon of minced garlic, 1-2 Tbsp sugar or allulose, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and the ginger (2 dried pieces or 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger). Mix everything thoroughly. A well-mixed sauce leads to a richer flavor!
Step 6
Heat a little oil in a pan and add the thawed squid. Stir-fry briefly until the surface turns opaque. Cooking it quickly at this stage helps prevent it from becoming tough.
Step 7
Once the squid is partially cooked, add all the prepared vegetables like cabbage, onion, peppers, and green onions to the pan. Stir-frying them together allows the squid’s flavor to meld with the vegetables’ sweetness, making it even more delicious.
Step 8
Now, pour in all the delicious sauce you prepared! Make sure to add a generous amount so the ingredients and sauce combine well.
Step 9
Initially, stir-fry everything over high heat. High heat helps evaporate excess moisture, adds a smoky flavor (‘wok hei’), and cooks the squid to a perfect, slightly chewy texture. Stir-fry quickly for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 10
After the ingredients are coated with the sauce and slightly cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Many recipes suggest high-heat stir-frying, but this can cause the sauce to burn or stick quickly. Cooking over medium-low heat allows the sauce to deeply penetrate the ingredients and cook them gently without burning. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the squid is fully cooked.
Step 11
Voilà! Your delicious stir-fried squid is ready! It’s easy to thaw and simple to make, so you can prepare it anytime without hassle. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish, often eliminating the need for other side dishes. When you have a poor appetite or are feeling lazy, stir-fry it quickly and serve it generously over a bowl of warm white rice for an incredibly satisfying meal! I hope you have a wonderful mealtime with this delicious stir-fried squid today! (￣︶￣)↗
