Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with Smoky Flavor
Altoman Im Sung-geun Style Smoky Stir-fried Squid Recipe
I tried following the simple and delicious stir-fried squid recipe introduced on the TV show ‘Altoman’ by Chef Im Sung-geun. It’s remarkably easy to make, especially if you have chili oil ready. This recipe offers a wonderful smoky aroma and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a fantastic side dish that pairs perfectly with rice!
Main Ingredients- 1 large squid
- 1 onion
- 1/4 carrot
- 1/2 green onion
- 2-3 Korean green chili peppers
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- 3-4 Tbsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 6 Tbsp cooking oil (for chili oil)
- 2 Tbsp fine chili powder (for chili oil)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (instead of mayonnaise)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup or oligosaccharide
- 3-4 Tbsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 6 Tbsp cooking oil (for chili oil)
- 2 Tbsp fine chili powder (for chili oil)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (instead of mayonnaise)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the main ingredient: the squid. We’re using one large squid.
Step 2
Prepare and Score the Squid: Clean the squid thoroughly. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces. A crucial tip here is to cut the squid in half horizontally first, and then cut it vertically. This way, it will naturally curl up attractively as it cooks. (If you cut it the other way, it might not curl properly!) Scoring the squid with shallow cuts will help it absorb the sauce better.
Step 3
Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce: In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp salted shrimp, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide), 3-4 Tbsp chili powder (adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it), and 1 Tbsp cooking wine (which adds a great flavor to seafood). Mix everything well until the sauce is evenly combined.
Step 4
Special Technique! Make Smoky Chili Oil: Heat 6 Tbsp of cooking oil and 2 Tbsp of fine chili powder in a pan over medium-low heat. Stir gently as it heats. The goal is to create about 3 Tbsp of chili oil. You’ll see the oil and chili powder start to bubble and foam slightly. Keep stirring to prevent the chili powder from burning. As soon as you see a foamy layer form across the surface, immediately turn off the heat. This method allows you to achieve a professional-level smoky chili oil right at home.
Step 5
You can see the chili oil bubbling up as it heats. You’ll hear a gentle sizzling sound.
Step 6
You can strain the chili oil using a filter paper inside a tea bag holder and place it over a cup, or let it cool and then squeeze the filter bag to extract the flavored oil. (Personally, I find using it while still warm captures the oil’s aroma best.)
Step 7
Look at that beautiful, rich red color of the chili oil you’ve made! It already smells delicious.
Step 8
Now, let’s start stir-frying the squid! Add a generous amount of the homemade chili oil to a wok or deep pan and let it heat up.
Step 9
Begin by stir-frying the sliced onion and green onion. Sautéing them until fragrant, similar to making green onion oil, adds an extra layer of smoky flavor to the dish.
Step 10
Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the prepared squid and the sauce you made earlier. Stir-fry everything together. It’s best to cook over high heat for a short time to ensure the squid remains tender and doesn’t become rubbery.
Step 11
You’ll know the squid is cooking when it starts to curl up nicely. Squid can become tough if overcooked, so turn off the heat as soon as it curls and its color changes.
Step 12
Final Touch for Health! The original recipe suggests adding 3-4 Tbsp of mayonnaise. However, for a healthier option, I’ve added 2 Tbsp of perilla oil, known for its benefits to vascular health. Finally, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds on top. Your delicious, spicy, sweet, and nutty stir-fried squid is ready! (Using mayonnaise will give a creamier and richer flavor.)
Step 13
Serve this over hot rice for a fantastic meal or enjoy it as a standalone side dish. Enjoy it with your family! ^^
