Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This Korean Fried Squid recipe is a fantastic option for a weeknight meal or a fun appetizer. The squid becomes incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside, coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy gochujang sauce. It’s a delicious explosion of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more! This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy easy recipes and healthy meals, but also want something a bit more exciting than your typical dinner. Let's dive into this culinary adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings (about 1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gochujang Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or rice syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
Preparing the Squid:
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Gently clean the squid thoroughly, removing the innards and the beak. Cut the squid body into rings, about 1 inch thick. Pat the squid rings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that extra crispy texture.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, egg, baking powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Frying the Squid:
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of batter dropped in sizzles immediately.
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Dip each squid ring in the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Carefully place the battered squid into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
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Fry for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the squid is golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried squid from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Gochujang Sauce:
- While the squid is frying, whisk together all the gochujang sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your preference.
Combining and Serving:
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Once all the squid is fried, add it to the bowl with the gochujang sauce and gently toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of squid is nicely glazed.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious Korean Fried Squid! This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, a side salad, or kimchi.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy squid, you can double fry it. Fry the squid once, let it cool slightly, and then fry it again for a minute or two until extra crispy.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the gochujang sauce to control the level of spiciness.
- If you don't have gochujang, you can substitute it with a combination of chili garlic sauce and Korean chili flakes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- You can add other vegetables to the batter, such as chopped onions or bell peppers, for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: 20-25g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This homemade cooking project is a delightful example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to prepare. Enjoy this easy recipe and quick dinner idea that is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends! It’s a perfect blend of healthy meals and satisfying flavors, making it a go-to for those seeking best recipes without compromising on taste.