Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Squid: The Perfect Side Dish Recipe
Make the Best Stir-Fried Squid Side Dish That Goes Perfectly with Rice
This stir-fried squid recipe is incredibly addictive and will make you finish a bowl of rice in no time! The chewy texture of fresh squid combined with a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce creates a fantastic side dish for any meal. We’ll guide you step-by-step with simple ingredients so anyone can succeed!
Main Ingredients- 3 fresh squids
Squid Marinade (Curing)- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/3 Tbsp salt
Spicy & Sweet Seasoning Mix- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 Tbsp minced ginger (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 2 pinches black pepper
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/3 Tbsp salt
Spicy & Sweet Seasoning Mix- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 Tbsp minced ginger (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 2 pinches black pepper
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh squids thoroughly under running water, remove the innards. You can peel the skin if you prefer, or leave it on. Set aside the prepared squids.
Step 2
In a pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil for blanching the squid. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add a pinch of salt to help the squid become firmer and chewier.
Step 3
Add the whole prepared squid to the boiling water and immediately turn off the heat. The squid should float to the surface and change color. Remove it promptly. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough. Blanching for a short time, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, is usually sufficient.
Step 4
Drain the blanched squid using a colander, then rinse it under cold running water as if giving it a ‘shower’. This quick chilling helps to set the chewy texture.
Step 5
Once the squid has cooled, slice it into bite-sized pieces (about 1-1.5 cm thick rings or cut into 1 cm wide strips). Separating the body and tentacles when slicing will make it neater.
Step 6
Place the sliced squid in a mixing bowl and add all the ingredients for the ‘Squid Marinade’ (1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp vinegar, 1/3 Tbsp salt).
Step 7
Gently mix the ingredients with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats the squid evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps to pre-season the squid.
Step 8
After 30 minutes, drain the marinated squid well using a colander, shaking off excess liquid. This is crucial to prevent the final stir-fry sauce from becoming watery and to allow the flavors to penetrate the squid.
Step 9
Now, prepare the ‘Spicy & Sweet Seasoning Mix’. In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients except for the sesame seeds (2 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/3 Tbsp minced ginger, 2 pinches black pepper). Mix them well to create the sauce.
Step 10
Add the prepared seasoning mix to the drained squid and gently toss to coat. Be careful not to mash the squid while mixing.
Step 11
Toss gently until the squid is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. (e.g., add more vinegar for extra tanginess, or more sugar for sweetness).
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds to your liking and toss once more. Your delicious stir-fried squid is ready! It’s great served immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a bit before serving for even better flavor.
