Soft and Delicious Korean Side Dish! Spicy-Sweet Stir-Fried Dried Shredded Squids (Jinmichae)
Spicy-Sweet Stir-Fried Dried Shredded Squids (Jinmichae) that’s tender and soft, a popular side dish. Secrets to achieving the perfect texture revealed! Great with rice!
This is a true rice thief! I’ll show you how to make the popular spicy-sweet stir-fried dried shredded squids, just like they sell at Korean grocery stores, but even tastier, right in your own kitchen. This recipe, with its chewy yet tender texture, is easy for anyone to follow.
Main Ingredients- 150g Dried Shredded Squids (Jinmichae) (about 2 handfuls)
- 5 Jujubes (Dates)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (for tenderizing)
- 1 Tbsp Water (for tenderizing)
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise (adds tenderness)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste – the key to spiciness!)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – for color and heat)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 Tbsp Water (to adjust sauce consistency)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste – the key to spiciness!)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – for color and heat)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 Tbsp Water (to adjust sauce consistency)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1/2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried shredded squids. Cut them into manageable lengths, about 3-4 pieces each, so they’re easy to eat. Avoid cutting them too long.
Step 2
We’ll make sure the squids aren’t too tough. Place the shredded squids in a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of mirin and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix well and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the squids to absorb moisture and become tender. This step significantly improves their texture.
Step 3
Here’s a secret ingredient for this recipe! We’ll use jujubes for a subtle, healthy sweetness. Take 5 jujubes, remove the seeds by slicing around the core, and then julienne them very finely. When sliced thinly like threads, they will blend beautifully with the squids after stir-frying.
Step 4
To the softened shredded squids, add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and gently mix them together. The mayonnaise coats the squids, preventing them from becoming tough when cooked and ensuring a wonderfully tender texture.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the seasoning sauce. In a pan, combine 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir everything together with a spoon until well combined. It’s better to cook the sauce over medium heat rather than high heat to prevent burning and allow it to thicken nicely. Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat slightly.
Step 6
As soon as the sauce simmers, turn off the heat. Immediately add the dried shredded squids that were coated with mayonnaise. Quickly toss and mix the squids with the sauce as if stir-frying them on the hot sauce. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make the squids tough; a quick toss is all you need.
Step 7
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and gently mix to coat the squids evenly.
Step 8
We’re almost done! Add the thinly julienned jujubes and 1/2 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and give it one last gentle mix. Your delicious stir-fried shredded squids are now ready.
Step 9
Tip: If the sauce is too hot when you add the squids, the seasoning might clump. You can pour the sauce out of the pan, let it cool slightly, and then mix it with your hands. This ensures the sauce coats the squids evenly without clumping, making it even tastier. Alternatively, you can briefly stir-fry over very low heat.
Step 10
This carefully prepared stir-fried shredded squid dish has a fantastic chewy yet tender texture and a perfectly balanced spicy-sweet flavor, making it an excellent side dish for rice or even a tasty snack.
Step 11
Enjoy your delicious and wonderful spicy-sweet stir-fried dried shredded squids!
