Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid Bibimbap
A Hearty Squid Bibimbap Recipe for the Whole Family
On holidays or special occasions, when you want a delightful meal without fussing over multiple side dishes, a large bowl filled with various ingredients and mixed together – that’s the magic of Squid Bibimbap! You can use vegetables you have on hand, or lightly stir-fry fresh ones for an even more abundant and delicious bibimbap experience. The spicy and sweet stir-fried squid, in particular, will elevate the flavor profile of your bibimbap.
Bibimbap Ingredients- 2 bowls of warm rice
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- A sprinkle of seaweed flakes (gim-garu)
- 250g bean sprouts (1 bag)
- 1 onion
- 1/4 carrot
- 1/2 zucchini
- 10 lettuce leaves
- 4 squid tentacles (approx. 350g)
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 green onion
Squid Stir-fry Seasoning- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 Tbsp cheongju (rice wine/mirin)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup or similar sweetener)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract)
- 1 egg (for frying)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 2 Tbsp cheongju (rice wine/mirin)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup or similar sweetener)
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (plum extract)
- 1 egg (for frying)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly. Place the bean sprouts and water in a pot, add 1/2 Tbsp salt for seasoning, cover with a lid, and boil for 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them to remain crisp.
Step 2
Once the bean sprouts are boiled, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold running water multiple times. This process cools them down and helps maintain their crunchy texture. Ensure they are well-drained before using.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables for the bibimbap. Thinly julienne 1 onion, 1/4 carrot, and 1/2 zucchini. Wash the 10 lettuce leaves, pat them dry, and then roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm).
Step 4
Stir-fry the julienned vegetables (onion, carrot, zucchini) separately in a lightly oiled pan. Cook over medium heat until they become slightly translucent, then season with a tiny pinch of salt. Stir-frying brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and improves their texture.
Step 5
For the squid, we’ll be using only the tentacles. Carefully scrape along the inside of the tentacles to remove any grit. Then, separate the tentacles from the body part where they connect, and cut them into 2-3 cm lengths for easy eating. Clean squid tentacles are key to a delicious dish.
Step 6
It’s time to make the spicy and sweet stir-fried squid! Heat a pan over medium heat, add 3 Tbsp of cooking oil, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 1 green onion chopped finely. Sauté over low heat until fragrant. Slowly cooking the aromatics allows their flavors to infuse into the oil.
Step 7
Once the aroma of the green onion and garlic is released, add the prepared squid tentacles to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat quickly. Be mindful not to overcook the squid, as it can become tough when cooked for too long and release excess moisture.
Step 8
When the squid is almost cooked, add all the pre-mixed seasoning ingredients (3 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp cheongju, 1 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp maesilcheong). Stir well to coat the squid evenly. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly into a glaze. This flavorful squid stir-fry will be the star of your bibimbap!
Step 9
Let’s make the crowning glory of bibimbap – a fried egg! Lightly oil a pan and carefully crack 1 egg into it. Fry it sunny-side up, ensuring the yolk remains intact. When serving, you can gently break the yolk to mix with the rice for a creamier taste.
Step 10
Now, let’s assemble this beautiful bibimbap! Prepare a large mixing bowl. Place 2 bowls of warm rice in the center. Arrange the chopped lettuce leaves in a circle around the rice.
Step 11
Utilize the space between the lettuce and the rice. Artfully arrange the stir-fried vegetables (onion, carrot, zucchini) around the bowl. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make your bibimbap visually appealing.
Step 12
Finally, it’s time to add the main components. Generously pile the crisp, blanched bean sprouts in the center. Top with the perfectly fried egg, followed by a hearty portion of the spicy and sweet stir-fried squid. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for a bibimbap that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat! Mix well and enjoy your delicious creation!
