Ojingeo Bokkeum, orย Spicy Stir-Fried Squid, is a beloved Korean dishย that has captured the hearts and taste buds ofย seafood loversย around the world. This dish isย a true celebrationย of bold flavors, combiningย the natural sweetness of squid withย the fiery kickย of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) and gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes).
What setsย Ojingeo Bokkeum apartย is its perfectย balance of heat, umami, and sweetness. The squid isย first tossed inย a light coatingย of salt and flour, ensuring a tenderย yet slightlyย crispy textureย when stir-fried. Theย sauce, a harmonious blend ofย gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic garlic and ginger, packs aย punch of flavorย that will tantalize your tasteย buds.
But Ojingeo Bokkeum isย more than justย a spicy seafood dish; it’s aย culinary experienceย that transports youย to the bustling streetsย of Korea. Imagineย sitting at aย traditional Koreanย restaurant, theย sizzling sound of the wok fillingย the air, and theย aroma of theย spicy sauce beckoning you to takeย that first bite.
In this recipe, I’ll guide youย through the processย of creating anย authentic Ojingeo Bokkeum rightย in your own kitchen. From properlyย preparing theย squid to achievingย the perfect balanceย of flavors inย the sauce, I’ll share allย the tips and tricksย to ensure yourย dish is a trueย taste of Korea.
So, whetherย you’re a seasoned lover ofย Korean cuisineย or a newcomer toย its bold and vibrant flavors, getย ready to embark on a culinary adventureย with Ojingeo Bokkeum. Trust me, this dish isย sure to becomeย a new favoriteย in your household.
Ojingeo Bokkeum Recipe
Ingredients
For the Squid:
- 1 lb 450g whole squid, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp rice flour or cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp gochujang Korean red chili paste
- 2 tbsp gochugaru Korean red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or mirin
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Stir-Frying:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 1/2 cup julienned cabbage
- 2 green onions sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Squid
- Clean the squid by removing the head, tentacles, and inner cartilage. Peel off the skin if desired.
- Cut the squid bodies into 1/2-inch thick rings or bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the squid pieces with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp rice flour or cornstarch. Set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Squid
- Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the squid pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to curl and turn opaque.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and toss to coat the squid evenly.
- Add the julienned carrot, cabbage, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the ojingeo bokkeum to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and additional banchan (side dishes) if desired.
Tips and Information
- Use fresh or frozen (thawed) squid for best texture. Avoid pre-cooked squid.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochugaru.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
As you take that first bite of your homemade Ojingeo Bokkeum, you’ll be transported to the vibrant streets of Korea, where the aroma of sizzling squid and fiery gochujang fills the air. This dish is a true celebration of bold flavors, combining the natural sweetness of squid with the heat of Korean chili paste and flakes, creating a harmonious balance of spice, umami, and sweetness
.But Ojingeo Bokkeum is more than just a delicious dish; it’s a culinary experience that connects you to the rich heritage of Korean cuisine. With each bite, you’ll taste the passion and care that goes into crafting this iconic dish, a testament to the generations of Korean cooks who have perfected the art of stir-frying squid to tender perfection.
Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Korean cuisine or a newcomer to its bold and vibrant flavors, Ojingeo Bokkeum is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Imagine serving this dish at your next gathering, watching as your guests savor the complex flavors and marvel at the tender, perfectly cooked squid.
So, embrace the heat, the umami, and the sweetness of Ojingeo Bokkeum. Let this dish transport you to the bustling streets of Korea, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of authentic Korean cuisine come alive. And remember, the true magic of this dish lies not only in the ingredients but also in the passion and care you put into every bite.
