Spicy Stir-Fried Squid, known as Ojingeo Bokkeum in Korean, is a popular and flavorful dish that combines tender squid with a spicy, savory sauce and a variety of vegetables. This dish is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors, making it a favorite in Korean cuisine.
Spicy Stir-Fried Squid Recipe
PREP TIME15minutes mins
COOK TIME15minutes mins
TOTAL TIME30minutes mins
COURSEMain Dishes
CUISINEAsian
Spicy Stir-Fried Squid Ingredients
- 1 lb whole squid (1 squid)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 2 green onions chopped, split
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger minced
- 1/4 onion sliced
- 1/4 cup cabbage sliced
- 1/4 cup carrot sliced
- 1 Korean pepper or serrano for extra spicy
- 1/8 tsp dashida (beef powder) or msg
- 3 tbsp gochugaru
- 2 tbsp spicy gochujang or mild
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp oligodang (sweetening syrup) or corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp msg optional
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
- Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Clean the squid (see note). Cut the body into about 3/4-inch rings (or slit the body open and cut into 3/4-inch wide, 2-inch long bite size pieces). Do not make the pieces too small as they will shrink when cooked. Cut the tentacles into the same lengths. See note if you want to score the squid.
Mix the squid with the seasoning mix and marinate while preparing vegetables.
Slice the onion. Cut the zucchini and carrot into half lengthwise and thinly slice into 2-inch long pieces. Cut the scallions 2-inches long.
Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the carrots, followed by the onions, zucchini, and then the scallions. Stir fry the vegetables quickly only until they start to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet. Add the marinated squid and any remaining sauce to the center of the skillet. Stir fry just until the squid pieces curl up and turn opaque (about 2 minutes).
- Stir to mix the vegetables and the squid well for a minute. Drizzle the sesame oil over. (Do NOT overcook the squid. The squid will get tough.) Serve warm with a bowl of rice or on top of rice.
Tips:
- Avoid Overcooking Squid: Squid cooks very quickly, so be sure to stir-fry it just until it turns opaque to keep it tender.
- Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of gochugaru or omit it entirely.
- Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cabbage for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information:
Spicy Stir-Fried Squid is a nutritious dish, rich in protein from the squid and vitamins from the vegetables. The use of gochujang and gochugaru provides antioxidants and capsaicin, which have various health benefits. However, the dish can be high in sodium due to the soy sauce, so consider using a low-sodium version if needed.
This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy the unique texture of squid combined with the bold, spicy flavors characteristic of Korean cuisine.
