Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Squid with Korean Green Pepper (Gwiri Gochu)
Easy & Flavorful Korean Green Pepper and Squid Stir-Fry with a Savory-Sweet Soy Sauce Glaze
Rediscover the delicious potential of frozen squid by transforming it into a vibrant stir-fry with fresh Korean green peppers (Gwiri Gochu). This dish is perfect for families, featuring a balanced sweet and savory soy sauce glaze that even children will enjoy. It’s an ideal side dish for rice or a delightful appetizer, guaranteed to add a spark to your mealtime. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a wonderful dish with ease.
Main Ingredients
- 1 Squid (cleaned and prepared)
- 20 Korean green peppers (Gwiri Gochu)
- 7 cloves Garlic
- A little Cooking oil (for stir-frying)
Savory-Sweet Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking wine (Mirin or Cheongju)
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or rice syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- A pinch of Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking wine (Mirin or Cheongju)
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or rice syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- A pinch of Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the squid thoroughly under running water. Remove the skin and innards. Cut the prepared squid into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long. This preparation will ensure a tender texture when cooked.
Step 2
Wash the Korean green peppers (Gwiri Gochu) and remove their stems. To ensure they absorb the sauce well and prevent bursting, prick each pepper 2-3 times with a fork or skewer. This step is key for even flavor distribution and a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly into ‘cheop’ (flat pieces). Sliced garlic will infuse the dish with a rich aroma and a delightful savory flavor as it fries.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 2 Tbsp water, and 2 Tbsp oligodang. Whisk well until the sweetener is fully dissolved, creating a perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce. Having the sauce ready beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 5
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Then, add the prepared squid and stir-fry over high heat for a very short time. Squid can become tough if overcooked, so quick cooking over high heat is essential.
Step 6
Once the squid is almost cooked, pour in the prepared savory-sweet sauce and continue to stir-fry over high heat until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the squid. Add the pricked Korean green peppers and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, just enough to heat them through while maintaining their crispness. It’s important not to overcook the peppers.
Step 7
Finally, drizzle in 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil and toss everything together to add a glossy sheen. Transfer the delicious stir-fried squid and peppers to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and visual appeal. Your fantastic Gwiri Gochu and Squid Stir-fry, a true rice thief, is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot with steamed rice.
