Savory Stir-Fried Squid
Ingredients for 2 servings:
- 250g medium-sized squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- The white part of green onions, sliced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 to 4 whole shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for seasoning the squid)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 1 tablespoon plum syrup
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (added off the heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (added off the heat)
Instructions:
- Begin by prepping your squid and vegetables. Ensure the squid is clean and cut into rings. Slice the green onions and onions, julienne the carrots, and slice the mushrooms.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of vegetable oil over high heat. Sauté the onions and mushrooms until they begin to soften.
- Add the squid and carrots to the pan, stirring frequently. Season with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and stir-fry until the squid starts to firm up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, chili powder, Gochujang, plum syrup, cooking wine, corn syrup, and minced garlic. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the squid and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly. The sauce should begin to caramelize slightly and stick to the ingredients.
- Once the squid is cooked and the vegetables are tender-crisp, turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately with a side of warm rice for a complete meal.
Tips:
- The order of adding ingredients is crucial for the perfect blend of flavors.
- Maintain a high heat throughout cooking to achieve a nice sear on the squid and to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Adjust the level of heat to your taste by controlling the amount of chili powder and Gochujang.
This stir-fried squid dish boasts a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, making it a nourishing meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.