Ojingeo Bokkeum (Korean Spicy Squid Stir-Fry)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) cooking oil
• 3/4 cup (70–80 g) chopped Asian leek (or green onion)
• 1/2 medium onion (sliced)
• 1/2 carrot (thinly sliced )
• 1 (about 14–16 oz / 400–450 g) large squid (cleaned)
• 1 tbsp (12 g) sugar
• 1/2 tbsp (7 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (9 g toasted sesame seeds
• 1 green onion (to garnish, optional)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsp (12–14 g) Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
• 2 tbsp (40 g) Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 1 tbsp (15 g) minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   --- To prepare the squid ---

2. 2

   Keep the squid tube whole and cut it into rings. Or open up the tube to slice into strips.

3. 3

   This step is optional, but it's a common technique before cutting the squid into strips. Lightly score the squid body in a diamond pattern (about 1/4-inch squares). This not only makes the squid hold more sauce but also gives it a unique appearance. Then, slice the squid body into strips and cut the tentacles into pieces of your preferred size.

4. 4

   --- To make the sauce ---

5. 5

   In a small bowl, mix together gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), gochujang (chili paste), soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Set this sauce aside for later.

6. 6

   --- To stir-fry ---

7. 7

   Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add sliced Asian leek (or green onions) and stir-fry for 30-60 seconds, until the aroma is released and the leek is slightly caramelized. Toss in the onion and carrot, continuing to stir-fry for another minute.

8. 8

   Add the prepared squid and a sprinkle of sugar. Stir-fry everything together for about a minute. Then, push the squid mix to one side of the pan. Do not fully cook the squid at this point.

9. 9

   Pour the spicy sauce into the other side of the pan, tilting it so the sauce gathers in one spot. This method draws out moisture from the squid. Stir-fry the sauce until the moisture has almost evaporated, about 30 seconds, keeping the heat high.

10. 10

    Mix the squid mixture back with the sauce, add fresh green chili if you like, and toss everything together for another 15-30 seconds.

11. 11

    Take the skillet off the heat, drizzle sesame oil over the top, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve your spicy squid stir-fry immediately with white rice for a delicious meal.