Crispy Garlic Scape and Squid Salad (Mutchim)
Fresh and Flavorful: Garlic Scape and Squid Salad
This dish features tender blanched garlic scapes tossed with tender, scored squid in a vibrant gochujang-based sauce. It’s a delightful spring delicacy that balances the crispness of garlic scapes with the chewy texture of squid, enhanced by a sweet and tangy flavor profile. Perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer, this recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to make.
Main Ingredients- 200g Garlic Scapes (fresh green garlic stalks)
- 1 Squid (approx. 200-250g), fresh
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh garlic scapes. Wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt, especially from the root ends. Trim off any wilted or discolored leaves.
Step 2
Prepare the fresh squid. Remove the internal organs and ink sac. Clean the squid thoroughly. You can peel off the outer skin if desired, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Step 3
Score the squid for a beautiful presentation and better sauce absorption. On the inside of the squid body, make diagonal cuts in one direction, then make parallel cuts in the other direction to create a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 4
Bring about 1 liter of water to a boil in a pot. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the boiling water. Carefully add the scored squid and blanch for about 1 to 1.5 minutes, or until it just turns opaque and slightly firm. Do not overcook, as it can become tough. Immediately transfer the blanched squid to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain a firm, chewy texture.
Step 5
Drain the cooled squid and place it on a cutting board. Cut the squid body into roughly three equal pieces.
Step 6
Cut the squid pieces into thick strips, about 0.5 cm wide. Slice the tentacles into bite-sized pieces as well.
Step 7
For the garlic scapes, if the root ends are thick, make a shallow lengthwise slit. This helps them cook more evenly and absorb the sauce better.
Step 8
In a pot, bring about 1 liter of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Submerge the thicker, root ends of the garlic scapes first and blanch for about 15 seconds. Then, add the leafy green parts and blanch for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. The goal is to keep them crisp-tender, so avoid over-blanching.
Step 9
Immediately transfer the blanched garlic scapes into a bowl of ice-cold water. This shocking process helps retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Step 10
Drain the cooled garlic scapes thoroughly. You can gently press them to remove excess water.
Step 11
Arrange the drained garlic scapes neatly on a cutting board.
Step 12
Cut the garlic scapes into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Try to include both the white stem and green leafy parts in each cut.
Step 13
Place the cut garlic scapes into a large mixing bowl. This is where all the magic happens!
Step 14
Add the prepared squid pieces to the same bowl with the garlic scapes. The chewy texture of the squid will perfectly complement the crisp scapes.
Step 15
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) over the ingredients in the bowl. This adds the main spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it.
Step 16
Add 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste). This provides the characteristic sweet and tangy flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
Step 17
Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Rubbing them between your palms before adding helps release their aromatic oils.
Step 18
Gently toss the ingredients with your hands to start mixing. If the seasoning tastes a little bland, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (or soy sauce) for an extra layer of savory depth. Fish sauce will add a more oceanic flavor.
Step 19
Continue to gently toss and mix everything until the garlic scapes and squid are evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The flavors should be well-balanced – spicy, sweet, tangy, and savory.
Step 20
Transfer the beautifully mixed garlic scape and squid salad to a serving dish. The vibrant colors and appetizing presentation are sure to whet your appetite.
Step 21
This Garlic Scape and Squid Salad offers a refreshing and slightly spicy flavor. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to a bowl of steamed rice, making it a satisfying light meal. It also pairs excellently as a side dish with drinks. Serving it alongside other Korean side dishes will create a more complete and festive meal.
