Chewy & Tender! Semi-Dried Squids with Mayonnaise and Gochujang Stir-fry
How to Make Tender Semi-Dried Squid Stir-fry with Mayonnaise and Gochujang
Enjoy a special treat at home with this mayonnaise and gochujang stir-fried semi-dried squid. It’s perfect as a late-night snack or a side dish for meals. This recipe revives even frozen squid, making it deliciously soft and flavorful. Let me guide you through the detailed steps to create this delightful dish!
Main Ingredients- 1 semi-dried squid (Pidegi style)
- A splash of rice wine (cheongju) for preparation
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Take out the semi-dried squid that’s been stored in the freezer. Rinse the squid thoroughly under running water. Gently scrape off the suction cups on the tentacles with your fingers; this will improve the texture.
Step 2
Pour a generous amount of water into a pot and add a splash of rice wine (cheongju) to help remove any fishy odors. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
Step 3
Prepare a steamer basket or a colander that fits into your pot. Place the cleaned squid into the basket, ready for steaming.
Step 4
Once the water is boiling vigorously, place the steamer basket with the squid over the pot. Cover with a lid and steam for about 5 to 6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it can make the squid tough. After turning off the heat, let it steam for an additional 3 minutes to ensure it’s tender all the way through.
Step 5
And there you have it! Perfectly steamed squid, looking moist and tender. It’s truly mouthwatering.
Step 6
Once the steamed squid has cooled slightly, separate the tentacles from the body. For the tentacles, starting from where they connect to the body, slice them thinly into strips until each tentacle is separated. Try to make the strips relatively thin for better flavor distribution.
Step 7
For the body, first cut off the triangular fins. Then, cut the body lengthwise in half. Afterward, slice it thinly into strips, similar to how you prepared the tentacles.
Step 8
Place all the sliced squid into a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and mix gently until the squid strips are evenly coated. The mayonnaise will create a soft, creamy layer around the squid.
Step 9
Now, let’s make the flavorful sauce. In a pan, combine 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of plum extract, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of rice wine (for the sauce). Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Place the pan over medium heat and let the sauce simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
Step 10
Once the sauce is gently simmering, add the mayonnaise-coated squid to the pan. Stir-fry quickly to coat the squid evenly with the sauce, being careful not to overcook. Stir-frying for about 1 to 2 minutes is usually sufficient to prevent the squid from becoming tough. Your delicious stir-fried semi-dried squid is now ready to enjoy!
