Spicy & Sweet Cabbage Squid Stir-fry (Squid Bibimbap)
Moisture-Rich Cabbage Squid Stir-fry with ‘No-Water Cooking’ Method / Delicious Squid Bibimbap
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves cabbage! We’re making a delightful ‘Cabbage Squid Stir-fry’ that’s wonderful served over rice as ‘Squid Bibimbap’. Fresh squid and crisp cabbage are stir-fried with sweet onions for a satisfying meal. The secret? We’re using the ‘no-water cooking’ technique, which locks in the natural flavors and moisture of the ingredients for a tender and delicious result. Enjoy a hearty and healthy meal with this simple yet flavorful dish!
Main Ingredients- Generous amount of cabbage (about 1/2 head)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 squid (cleaned)
- 1 cheongyang pepper (optional)
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp maesil extract (or sugar)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 0.3 Tbsp sesame oil (a little)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp maesil extract (or sugar)
- 1 Tbsp oligodang (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 0.3 Tbsp sesame oil (a little)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the special sauce for our delicious squid stir-fry! Add 1 Tbsp of gochujang for a deep flavor, 2 Tbsp of soy sauce for umami, and 0.5 Tbsp of gochugaru for a touch of heat. (If you like it spicier, feel free to increase the gochugaru!)
Step 2
Add 1 Tbsp of maesil extract (or sugar) for sweetness and tenderness, and 1 Tbsp of oligodang (or corn syrup) for glossiness. Stir in 1 Tbsp of minced garlic for enhanced aroma. Finally, add 0.5 Tbsp of ground sesame seeds for nuttiness and 0.3 Tbsp of sesame oil for a subtle fragrance. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to prepare the main ingredients. Wash the cabbage thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm wide). Slice the onion into similar-sized strips. If your squid isn’t already cleaned, remove the innards and cartilage, then wash it well. Slice the squid into 1 cm thick rings. (You can also cut the tentacles into bite-sized pieces.)
Step 4
Place the prepared cabbage, onion, and squid into a large bowl or a pan. Pour all of the pre-made sauce over the ingredients.
Step 5
If you’d like to add more heat, finely chop the cheongyang pepper and add it now. (If you’re cooking for children or prefer less spice, omit the cheongyang pepper or serve it on the side.) Gently mix everything with your hands or a spatula, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6
Now, let’s use the ‘no-water cooking’ technique for a wonderfully moist stir-fry! The key is to add absolutely no extra water; we’ll rely on the natural moisture released by the vegetables. Place all the sauced ingredients into a frying pan or pot and cover with a lid.
Step 7
Here’s the magic of no-water cooking: cover the steam vent on the lid with a damp kitchen towel. This traps the moisture released from the ingredients inside the pan, allowing everything to cook gently and evenly. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The moisture from the cabbage and onions will cook the squid until tender, and the sauce will beautifully coat every piece. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the rich flavors!
Step 8
And there you have it – a delicious Cabbage Squid Stir-fry! Serve it generously over a bowl of warm rice and mix it all together for a hearty and healthy ‘Squid Bibimbap’. For an extra treat, you can top it with a fried egg or some seaweed flakes. Enjoy your meal!
