Savory Stir-Fried Squid

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.