Easy Frozen Squid Stir-fry
Frozen Squid Tastes Just as Good as Fresh! Delicious Stir-fried Squid Recipe
Even if you’re not a big fan of squid, this recipe will surely make you fall in love with stir-fried squid! If you’ve hesitated to buy fresh squid due to the hassle of preparation, you’ll be delighted to know that you can make incredibly delicious stir-fried squid using frozen squid, even if it’s not domestic. I’ll show you how to make frozen squid wonderfully tender and moist without any special techniques. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is! With minimal effort, you can create a fantastic stir-fried squid dish bursting with deep umami and a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors, making it an excellent side dish for rice or a delightful accompaniment to drinks. Enjoy a special meal with frozen squid tonight!
Main Ingredients
- 2 Squid bodies (approx. 200-250g)
- 1 Squid leg (approx. 50-70g)
- 1/2 Onion (sliced)
- 3 Korean chili peppers (sliced diagonally, adjust to spice preference)
Spicy & Sweet Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce (for extra umami!)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp Scallion oil (or cooking oil)
- 1/2 Scallion (chopped, for scallion oil or garnish)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 3 Tbsp Honey (adjust sweetness, can substitute with corn syrup)
- A dash of sesame oil (for finishing)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster sauce (for extra umami!)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp Scallion oil (or cooking oil)
- 1/2 Scallion (chopped, for scallion oil or garnish)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 3 Tbsp Honey (adjust sweetness, can substitute with corn syrup)
- A dash of sesame oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add flavor to your stir-fried squid. Slice the onion into thick strips and diagonally slice the Korean chili peppers for a spicy kick – feel free to adjust the number of peppers to your liking. Chop the scallions; some will be used for making scallion oil, and the rest for garnish at the end.
Step 2
Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces. You can slice the body into rings or cut it into squares, depending on your preference. Cut the tentacles into appropriate lengths as well. If you’re using frozen squid, it’s a good idea to soak it in cold water for a bit to thaw before cooking.
Step 3
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Get a wok or a deep pan ready. First, make scallion oil by adding the chopped scallions and cooking them over low heat until fragrant. Once the scallion aroma is released, add the sliced onions and stir-fry until they become translucent. Then, add the gochujang, oyster sauce, gochugaru, minced garlic, and honey. Stir-fry over low heat for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the sauce, to develop the flavors. Pre-frying the sauce like this will result in a much deeper taste.
Step 4
Once the sauce is well-fried, add the prepared squid and stir-fry over high heat. Squid can become tough if overcooked, so it’s important to stir-fry it quickly over high heat. When the squid turns opaque white, it’s almost cooked.
Step 5
When the squid is nearly cooked, add the sliced Korean chili peppers and stir-fry together. Finally, drizzle in a little sesame oil for an added nutty aroma and enhanced flavor. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning with salt or soy sauce if needed.
Step 6
Transfer the finished stir-fried squid to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch and a more appealing presentation. This dish is delicious served over hot rice as a squid bowl or enjoyed as a fantastic appetizer with drinks. Enjoy your meal!