Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with a Hint of Smoky Flavor
Baek Jong Won’s Signature Recipe! Perfectly Balanced Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid
Discover a truly delightful recipe among Chef Baek Jong Won’s creations: Stir-fried Squid! It boasts an exquisite flavor with a subtle smoky essence, making it truly special. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. Give it a try today!
Main Ingredients
- 2 large squid, cleaned
- 1/4 head cabbage
- 1/2 carrot
- 1 onion
- 2 green chilies (or mild chili peppers)
- 2 green onions
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare and chop all the vegetables. Cut the cabbage, carrot, and onion into thick, lengthwise strips (about 0.7-1 cm wide). Slice the green onions diagonally into large pieces. Slice the green chilies diagonally as well for a bit of heat. Clean the squid thoroughly, removing the innards and cartilage, then cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm). Pat the squid dry with paper towels for a better texture.
Step 2
Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wide pan or wok over medium heat. Add all the chopped green onions and stir-fry until fragrant and lightly golden brown, creating infused green onion oil. This step significantly enhances the depth of flavor.
Step 3
Once the green onions are golden, add the prepared squid to the pan and stir-fry. As the squid begins to cook, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. This helps to eliminate any fishy odors and adds a touch of sweetness.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the seasonings. Stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of gochujang. Stir-fry quickly to combine. Be cautious with the garlic, as it can burn if cooked too long over high heat. Tilt the pan slightly and mix the garlic and paste rapidly with the other ingredients.
Step 5
Add 5 tablespoons of soy sauce and 3 tablespoons of red chili flakes (gochugaru) and continue to stir-fry. If the mixture seems too dry, gradually add about 1/2 cup of water while stirring. Adding water prevents the sauce from sticking and burning, and also helps create a smoother consistency.
Step 6
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add all the prepared cabbage, carrots, onions, and green chilies to the pan. Add all the vegetables at this stage as they will be stir-fried until tender-crisp.
Step 7
After adding the vegetables, it’s crucial to stir-fry over high heat for a short time. This helps retain the vegetables’ crispness. Quickly toss everything to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce without overcooking them. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a fragrant finish. It’s ready!
Step 8
Serve the stir-fried squid attractively in a bowl or on a heated plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added nuttiness and visual appeal. This dish is delicious served over steamed rice as a bowl, or enjoyed wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. Enjoy your delicious stir-fried squid!
