Spicy and Sweet Grilled Squid
#SquidRecipe #SpicySquidGrill #EasySquidDish #KoreanSpicySquid #HomeCookingMenu
This recipe features tender and flavorful grilled squid, marinated in a generous batch of our homemade spicy and sweet sauce, then chilled before grilling. This versatile sauce can be used for various dishes like stews and braised meals, making it a truly practical kitchen staple. Enjoy this easy-to-make yet impressive dish at home, perfect as a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main course.
Ingredients- 2 squids (cleaned, guts removed)
- 1/4 pear (peeled, cored)
- 1/2 apple (peeled, cored)
- 1 onion (peeled, roughly chopped)
- 4 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp hot chili sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp cheongju or cooking wine
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (or to taste)
- A little cooking oil (for greasing the pan)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- A pinch of chopped chives (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the base for our spicy sauce. First, roughly chop the onion. Since we’ll be blending it, don’t worry too much about the size of the pieces.
Step 2
Next, prepare the pear and apple, which will add a delicious sweet and spicy flavor profile. Peel and core 1/4 pear and 1/2 apple, then chop them into pieces suitable for blending, along with the onion.
Step 3
Place the chopped onion, pear, and apple into a blender and blend until smooth. A well-blended mixture will result in a silky sauce without any gritty texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s add the ingredients that will bring the heat and spice. To the blended fruit and vegetable mixture, add 4 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 2 Tbsp of Sriracha sauce, and 2 Tbsp of hot chili sauce. Also, incorporate 1 tsp of black pepper, 2 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 tsp of minced ginger, and 2 Tbsp of chopped scallions.
Step 5
It’s time to season and enhance the flavors. Add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce for saltiness and 2 Tbsp of cheongju or cooking wine to effectively remove any fishy odor from the squid. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all the seasonings are well combined.
Step 6
The natural sweetness from the onion, pear, and apple is sufficient, so there’s no need to add extra sugar or honey. Now, take your cleaned squid and place them into the prepared marinade. Gently toss the squid to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the delicious sauce. Make sure the marinade gets into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
Step 7
Instead of grilling immediately, refrigerate the marinated squid for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the squid. This marinating time is crucial for a deeply flavorful result. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with just a touch of cooking oil. Add the marinated squid and grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Squid cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking to maintain its tender texture. (The photo shows some grilled dried pollack, which was made with the same sauce – a handy tip!)
Step 8
Once the squid is nicely grilled, slice it into bite-sized pieces and arrange them attractively on a serving plate. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining delicious sauce from the pan over the squid. Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped chives for a beautiful finish. Your spicy, sweet, and plump grilled squid is now ready to be enjoyed! A truly delightful dish.
