Step 1

Begin by preparing your ingredients. Using pre-cleaned frozen squid can significantly reduce preparation time and make the cooking process more convenient.

Step 2

Prepare the cucumber. Slice it into approximately 1cm thick rounds, then cut each round in half to create semi-circular pieces. Sprinkle 1-2 pinches of coarse salt over the cucumber slices and let them sit for 20 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture and enhance the cucumber’s crispiness.

Step 3

Next, prepare the remaining vegetables. Thinly slice the carrot and onion into matchsticks. Cut the perilla leaves into manageable strips, about 2cm wide.

Step 4

For the squid, make diagonal cuts on the belly side. This scoring helps the seasoning penetrate better and makes the squid visually appealing. Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces. If you have the time, peeling the skin will result in a more tender texture, but it can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 5

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the prepared squid and blanch for about 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the squid tough. A short blanching time is key to maintaining its tender, chewy texture.

Step 6

Immediately after blanching, rinse the squid under cold running water. This rapid cooling helps to firm up the squid and retain its pleasant chewiness. Drain the squid thoroughly in a colander, ensuring all excess water is removed.

Step 7

Rinse the salted cucumber pieces under cold water to remove the excess salt. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible by hand. This step is crucial for achieving the right balance of flavors in the final dish.

Step 8

Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce. In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp gochujang. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create the sauce.

Step 9

Add the drained squid and all the prepared vegetables to the bowl with the seasoning sauce. Gently toss and mix everything together, ensuring that the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top for added aroma and flavor.

Step 10

Your delicious sweet and sour seasoned squid is ready! It’s a perfect dish to whet your appetite, serving beautifully as a side dish or a flavorful appetizer.

Step 11