Spicy Stir-Fried Squid (Japchae-Style)
Delicious Side Dish with Frozen Squid: Spicy Stir-Fried Squid Recipe
The ultimate craving quencher! This spicy and slightly sweet stir-fried squid is an addictive dish that makes you crave rice. It’s a staple side dish that’s hard to resist. We love to use fresh squid, blanch it, freeze it, and then use it for quick meals like this. This recipe shows you how to make even frozen squid incredibly tender and flavorful! Perfect for everyone, from kids to adults. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- 2 frozen squid
- 1/2 onion
- A small amount of carrot (about 30g)
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (cheongyang peppers)
- 1/2 red chili pepper
Seasoning- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp ginger syrup (or a little minced ginger)
- 0.5 Tbsp + 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp ginger syrup (or a little minced ginger)
- 0.5 Tbsp + 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thaw the frozen squid in cold water and cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 2cm wide). If you’re using squid that you previously blanched and froze, you can use it directly without re-blanching. Blanching and freezing beforehand helps prevent the stir-fry from becoming watery and ensures a chewier texture. In a bowl, combine the thawed squid with the seasoning ingredients: 1.5 Tbsp gochujang, 0.5 Tbsp fine gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp ginger syrup, and 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce. Mix well by hand (jomul-jomul) and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the squid beautifully.
Step 2
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium-low heat. Add the thickly sliced onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent and slightly softened. Sautéing the onions thoroughly brings out their natural sweetness, which deepens the overall flavor of the stir-fry.
Step 3
Once the onions are well-cooked, add the thinly sliced carrot and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Next, add the roughly chopped bell pepper, diagonally sliced Korean green chili peppers, and red chili pepper. Stir-fry quickly until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain some crispness. This adds vibrant color and a pleasant crunch.
Step 4
Now, add the marinated squid to the pan. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry rapidly. Since the frozen squid has already been blanched, overcooking can make it tough. Cook just until the squid turns opaque white, which should take about 2-3 minutes on high heat. Stir continuously to ensure everything is evenly cooked.
Step 5
Finally, drizzle in 0.5 Tbsp and then 1/3 Tbsp of sesame oil for a glossy finish. Turn off the heat and give it a gentle toss to combine. Adding the sesame oil at the end preserves its fragrant aroma. Your delicious spicy stir-fried squid is now ready! Serve it over a bowl of hot rice for an incredibly satisfying meal.
