Spicy & Sweet! Super Simple Squid Rice Bowl Recipe
Whip up a delicious meal with squid from your fridge: Super Simple Squid Rice Bowl!
Today, I’m sharing a super easy and delicious recipe for Spicy and Sweet Squid Rice Bowl, made with fresh squid from my fridge. You can create a wonderful meal without needing special ingredients. It’s incredibly tasty when mixed with rice! Let’s make this simple yet exceptionally delicious Squid Rice Bowl together right now.
Main Ingredients
- 1 Squid (cleaned)
- A little bit of Carrot (julienned)
- A little bit of Green Onion (chopped)
- 0.5 handful of Cabbage (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the squid. If you’re using frozen squid, transfer it to the refrigerator the day before to thaw naturally. Even if the squid is already cleaned and washed, rinsing it lightly under cold running water and then thoroughly patting it dry with paper towels will ensure it’s perfectly prepped. Now, cut the squid into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
Julienne the carrot into thin strips. Chop the green onions finely. You can also use pre-frozen chopped green onions. If you like cabbage, cut it into manageable pieces (about 1-2 cm wide). This will add texture and sweetness to the dish.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add the chopped green onions to the pan *before* it gets hot. Sautéing the green onions from the start allows their aromatic flavor to infuse into the oil, creating delicious scallion oil. Once you can smell the fragrant green onions, add the next ingredient.
Step 4
Once the scallion oil is fragrant, add the prepared squid to the pan.
Step 5
Stir-fry the squid over medium-high heat. As soon as the squid turns opaque and starts to cook, it’s time to add all the seasoning ingredients and continue stir-frying. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough.
Step 6
Begin by adding 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir-frying it with the squid. Adding sugar first helps to coat the squid, enhancing its savory flavor (umami) and allowing the sauce to adhere better. Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
Step 7
Now, add the main seasoning ingredients: 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1.5 tablespoons of gochugaru, and 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce. (It’s best to adjust the seasoning to your personal preference. I usually start with a base level and add more later if needed).
Step 8
Stir-fry everything over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and coats the squid beautifully. You’ll notice a delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 9
Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped cabbage. Cabbage adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, further enhancing the flavor of the squid rice bowl. (I didn’t add much today as I didn’t have much cabbage on hand, but feel free to add more if you enjoy it).
Step 10
After adding the cabbage and stir-frying briefly, pour in 70ml of water. You can adjust the amount of water depending on the size of your pan and your desired sauce consistency. Generally, adding enough water to lightly cover the ingredients and then simmering until reduced works well. Bring it to a simmer.
Step 11
Once the squid mixture has reduced to your desired consistency, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if needed. When the flavors have melded beautifully, your Squid Rice Bowl is ready! Serve the delicious squid mixture generously over a bowl of warm rice. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Step 12
And here it is – a visually appealing Squid Rice Bowl! For an even richer and smoother experience, consider topping it with a fried egg with a runny yolk. Mix everything together and take a bite; the flavor is so satisfying that you won’t need any other side dishes. This simple yet hearty Squid Rice Bowl, packed with plenty of squid, is a truly delicious and fulfilling meal. Enjoy your wonderful dining experience!
