Spicy and Delicious Stir-Fried Squid Rice Bowl
How to Make a Flavorful Squid Rice Bowl Easily at Home
Tender squid and crisp vegetables stir-fried in a sweet and spicy sauce, then served over rice. This dish is a visual feast with its rich sauce and vibrant colors, guaranteed to whet your appetite! Here’s a magical rice bowl recipe that can be ready in under 10 minutes.
Main Ingredients- 2 squid (cleaned)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 stalk of green onion
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 4 Tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 2 servings cooked rice
Spicy & Sweet Sauce (Tablespoon Measurement)- 3.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 4 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust for spice level)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (for gloss)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)
- 3.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 4 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – adjust for spice level)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (for gloss)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the spicy and sweet sauce that’s key to this squid rice bowl. In a bowl, combine 3.5 Tbsp gochujang, 4 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix them well. The longer the sauce sits, the less harsh the chili flakes will taste and the better the flavors will meld, creating a deeper taste. If you have time, making it the day before and refrigerating is even better!
Step 2
Time for vegetable prep! Slice the onion into strips about 0.5 cm thick. Cut the green onion into four lengthwise pieces, then chop them into pieces similar in length to the onion strips. This ensures they cook evenly.
Step 3
Preparing the squid is simple. Rinse the squid thoroughly and separate the body from the tentacles. If you prefer a less chewy texture, it’s a good idea to remove the skin. To remove the skin, make a shallow cut along the underside of the squid body, then grip it with a paper towel and gently slide it off – it comes off easily!
Step 4
Score the inside of the squid body in a crosshatch pattern; this helps the sauce penetrate better and makes it look appealing. After scoring, cut the body in half and then slice it into thick pieces about 0.7-1 cm thick. Also, cut the tentacles into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the cornstarch slurry, crucial for thickening the stir-fry. In a small bowl, mix 3 Tbsp cornstarch with 4 Tbsp water until smooth. Since the stir-frying process takes less than 10 minutes, having your rice ready beforehand means you can enjoy your delicious squid rice bowl immediately!
Step 6
It’s time to stir-fry everything! Heat 1 Tbsp cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the prepared squid and sliced onion, and stir-fry. Once the squid turns opaque and is mostly cooked through, add the prepared sauce and 1 cup (200ml) of water. Mix well to coat everything.
Step 7
Once the sauce starts to bubble (simmer), add the chopped green onions and stir briefly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it’s too bland, add a bit more sauce; if you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more sugar.
Step 8
Finally, let’s achieve that perfect saucy consistency for your squid rice bowl! Lower the heat slightly. With one hand, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring rapidly with the other hand. This will prevent lumps and create a smooth, thickened sauce. Remove from heat once it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 9
Add a final touch of aroma! Drizzle 1 Tbsp of sesame oil over the dish. This enhances the nutty fragrance of the squid rice bowl. Give it a final gentle stir, and your delicious squid rice bowl is ready!
Step 10
Spoon the generous portion of stir-fried squid mixture over hot cooked rice. Mix it all together with your chopsticks and enjoy! If you like it spicier, consider adding some Cheongyang chili peppers or extra spicy chili flakes while stir-frying. It’s a satisfying and hearty meal that the whole family will love.
