Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with Noodles
Easy Homemade Izakaya-Style Appetizer: Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with Noodles Recipe
Our favorite way to unwind is with a drink after the kids are asleep. Tonight, we’re making a simple and delicious appetizer at home: ‘Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with Noodles.’ I’ll share how to perfectly cook the noodles and the secret to this flavorful dish. Get ready to elevate your evening with this delightful treat!
Main Ingredients- 1 large squid
- Somen noodles (thin wheat flour noodles), sufficient amount
- 1/4 onion
- 1/4 carrot
- 1/2 stalk green onion
- 1 chili pepper (optional)
- 1 shiitake mushroom (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, clean and prepare the squid by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the onion and carrot, and cut the green onion diagonally. If you like a bit of heat, add a chili pepper, and shiitake mushrooms can add extra depth. Feel free to use any leftover vegetables from your fridge. Refer to the ingredient list for the seasoning ratio.
Step 2
Since stir-frying squid is quick, it’s best to cook the somen noodles first. This prevents the noodles from releasing excess water when mixed with the sauce, ensuring a cleaner taste. A great tip, similar to Chef Baek’s cooking advice, is to focus on the noodle texture rather than a strict timer. Boil water, add the somen noodles, stir to separate them, and then add a splash of cold water about three times as it boils to achieve perfectly chewy noodles.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add the somen noodles, and stir immediately to prevent sticking. As the noodles rise to the surface and start to cook, pour in about one cup of cold water. Once it boils again, repeat this process of adding cold water two more times. When it finally boils up for the third time, turn off the heat. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water, rubbing them gently to remove excess starch and cool them down. Let them drain thoroughly in a colander.
Step 4
This noodle-cooking method is handy for various noodle dishes, so keep it in mind! Now, let’s get started on our delicious stir-fried squid and noodles.
Step 5
Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the prepared squid pieces. To enhance flavor and remove any raw smell, add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce and 1 Tbsp of cooking oil.
Step 6
Add 1 Tbsp of Dashida for an extra boost of umami, giving it a professional restaurant taste. If you prefer not to use Dashida or have other umami seasonings like fish sauce or oyster sauce, feel free to substitute them. Remember, the goal is delicious food!
Step 7
Stir-fry the squid over medium heat until it’s about halfway cooked. Be careful not to overcook the squid, as it can become tough. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Step 8
Once the squid is partially cooked, add all the prepared vegetables (onion, carrot, etc.) to the pan and stir-fry them together. Now, add 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp chili powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir-fry everything vigorously until well combined. If the sauce starts to stick or burn, you can add a tiny splash of water to prevent this.
Step 9
We’re almost done! Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce if needed. A pro tip: for a fresher flavor and vibrant color, add the green onions and chili peppers right at the end, just before serving.
Step 10
When it comes to simple yet impressive homemade appetizers, squid dishes are always a winner! This recipe offers incredible flavor for the effort involved.
Step 11
Arrange the cooked somen noodles attractively on a plate. Generously top with the flavorful stir-fried squid and vegetables. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a perfect presentation of your ‘Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Squid with Noodles’! Watching the full process in a video will help you easily understand every step, from cooking the noodles to the final stir-fry.
