Experience the bold and fiery flavors of Spicy Squid with Vegetables (Ojingeo Bokkeum), a popular Korean street food, home-cooked dish, and drinking snack. This awesomely spicy squid dish tantalizes taste buds with its perfect balance of heat and umami. The combination of tender squid, crisp vegetables, and a fiery chili-infused sauce creates a delightful explosion of flavors. While traditionally served with rice to cut the spice, you have the flexibility to adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer milder tastes, this dish offers a delicious adventure into Korean cuisine.
INGREDIENTS:
- ¼ cup soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chile flakes)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium sweet onion, sliced
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced on the bias
- 8 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 Korean chiles, thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ pounds squid, cleaned and cut into 2-inch strips
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
PREPARATIONS:
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, gochugaru, and sugar.
- Heat a deep large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and the onion, and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the carrot, scallions, chiles, and garlic, and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture into the vegetables, add the squid and sesame oil, and mix together. Stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
- Serve hot.
YIELD:
- Serves 4
TIPS:
- Adjust the amount of gochugaru or chiles to control the spiciness according to your taste preferences.
- To add sweetness to the sauce, consider incorporating honey and/or mirin.
In conclusion, Spicy Squid with Vegetables (Ojingeo Bokkeum) exemplifies the vibrant and bold nature of Korean cuisine. As a beloved street food, a comforting home-cooked dish, and a delightful drinking snack, this spicy squid recipe holds a special place in Korean hearts. The blend of tender squid, fresh vegetables, and a fiery chili-infused sauce creates an unforgettable culinary experience that keeps people coming back for more.
Preparing Spicy Squid with Vegetables is a quick and straightforward process, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends. The key to this dish’s success lies in the harmony between the tender squid and the assortment of vegetables. As the flavors meld together during the stir-frying process, the dish transforms into a symphony of tastes, perfectly balanced between heat, umami, and sweetness.
One of the delights of this dish is its versatility. While traditionally served with rice to mellow down the spice, you have the freedom to adjust the level of spiciness according to your preferences. Whether you are a spice enthusiast seeking a fiery experience or someone who prefers a milder touch, this dish caters to various taste profiles.
The rich aroma of gochugaru, the Korean chili flakes, infuses the dish with a captivating depth of flavor. As you take each flavorful bite, you’ll find yourself captivated by the tantalizing combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
The squid, a delicacy in Korean cuisine, takes center stage in this recipe. Its tender texture and ability to absorb the flavors of the sauce make it the perfect canvas for this spicy creation. Pairing it with crisp and colorful vegetables adds an element of freshness and balance to the dish.
For those who appreciate extra sweetness in their dishes, adding honey and/or mirin is a clever way to enhance the overall flavor profile. This customization allows you to tailor the dish according to your preferences and create a unique rendition that suits your taste buds.
In essence, Spicy Squid with Vegetables is more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to explore the dynamic and adventurous side of Korean cuisine. As you embark on this delightful culinary journey, you’ll discover the richness of Korean flavors and the joy of indulging in a dish cherished by many.
So, whether you’re enjoying Spicy Squid with Vegetables as a snack while sipping a drink or savoring it as a hearty meal, this dish embodies the spirit of Korean cooking—the celebration of bold flavors, the art of balance, and the joy of shared meals with loved ones. The joyous occasions of gatherings, celebrations, and daily meals are brought to life through the heartwarming essence of this spicy squid creation.
