Soft & Savory Gochujang Dried Shredded Squid with Mayonnaise (Baek Jong Won Style)
The Secret to Tender Dried Shredded Squid: Baek Jong Won’s Gochujang Recipe
Introducing a recipe for dried shredded squid (Jjinmi-chae) that’s even softer and more delicious than store-bought versions! This chewy and flavorful treat is wonderful when stir-fried with spicy gochujang, or made sweet and savory with soy sauce and butter. It’s truly a staple side dish that many people love. I’ve enjoyed this since I was a child, and it remains one of my favorites. The key to making your jjinmi-chae extra soft and flavorful is a simple addition: mayonnaise! Lightly coating the squid with mayonnaise after a quick rinse makes it incredibly tender, so you can enjoy plenty without tiring your jaw. It’s a hit with kids too! Jjinmi-chae is a lifesaver stored in the freezer, perfect for when you need a quick side dish. It’s great for lunchboxes and also makes a fantastic snack to accompany drinks. Let’s learn how to make this softer, more savory Baek Jong Won-style gochujang dried shredded squid step-by-step!
Main Ingredients- Dried shredded squid (Jjinmi-chae) 150g
- Mayonnaise 1 Tbsp (heaping)
- Minced garlic 0.5-1 Tbsp
- Cooking oil 1.5 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
Seasoning Sauce- Soy sauce (Jin Ganjang) 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup 2 Tbsp (or rice syrup)
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (cooking wine) 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce (Jin Ganjang) 1 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 Tbsp
- Corn syrup 2 Tbsp (or rice syrup)
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (cooking wine) 2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Place the dried shredded squid in a sieve and rinse lightly under running water. Drain thoroughly, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of mayonnaise. Coating the squid with mayonnaise beforehand will make it much softer and more savory when cooked. (Adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on the quantity of squid.)
Step 2
Gently toss the squid to coat evenly with the mayonnaise and let it sit for a moment while you prepare the seasoning sauce. (Tip: If your dried shredded squid is already quite soft, you can skip this mayonnaise coating step.)
Step 3
In the mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup), 1 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp mirin. (Tip: Adjust the amount of corn syrup and sugar to your taste for the desired sweetness. Gochugaru can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.)
Step 4
Mix the prepared seasonings thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a little salt or soy sauce to suit your preference.
Step 5
Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add 1.5 Tbsp cooking oil and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant, releasing its aroma. This step adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Step 6
Once the garlic aroma is prominent, pour the prepared seasoning sauce into the pan. Bring it to a simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Step 7
Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the sauce from burning. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly until it thickens and coats the ingredients well.
Step 8
When the sauce has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Add the dried shredded squid that was pre-coated with mayonnaise into the pan. Now, it’s time to mix everything thoroughly with the sauce.
Step 9
Ensure the seasoning coats every strand of the squid evenly, making sure no white parts are visible. This even coating is key to a delicious finish.
Step 10
Once the squid is beautifully coated with the sauce, finish by drizzling in 1 Tbsp sesame oil and sprinkling 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. The added nutty aroma makes it even more irresistible.
Step 11
There you have it! The beloved national side dish, Baek Jong Won’s Gochujang Dried Shredded Squid, is ready. So easy, isn’t it? This is the perfect dish to whip up when you’re short on side dishes. It’s delicious served over a bowl of hot white rice, or as a tasty accompaniment to a light meal. Enjoy your meal!
