Korean Spicy Squid Salad (Gochujang Blanched Squid)

Name: Korean Spicy Squid Salad (Gochujang Blanched Squid)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: squid 300 g; gochujang 1 tsp; red pepper flakes 1 tsp; sugar 1 tsp; vinegar 1 tsp; soy sauce 1 tsp; minced garlic 1 tsp; sesame oil 1 tsp; sesame seeds 1 ts

Quick answer

Total time: 20 min
Level: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients: 9

About this dish

Blanched squid tossed in gochujang, chili flakes and vinegar works as both a drinking snack and a side dish with rice.

Timing decides almost everything: past a minute to a minute and a half in boiling water the flesh contracts and turns rubbery, while undercooked squid stays translucent in the middle. An ice bath right after stops the carryover heat and locks in the springy bite.

Ingredients

servings

IngredientAmount

sesame seeds1 ts

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Instructions

6 steps

1

Clean 300 g of squid by pulling out the internal organs and the clear quill from inside the body.

Separate the legs, then rinse all pieces several times in cold water until the surface no longer feels slippery.
2

Bring a generous pot of water to a full boil before adding the squid.

Keep the heat at medium-high so the boil returns quickly, and blanch for only 1 to 1.5 minutes.
3

Remove the squid as soon as it turns white and opaque and the edges begin to curl.

Transfer it straight into ice water to stop carryover cooking, then drain very well.
4

Cut the cooled squid into 4 to 5 cm pieces and lightly blot the surface with paper towel.

Excess water will thin the dressing and make it slide off instead of coating the squid.
5

In a large bowl, combine 1 teaspoon each of gochujang, gochugaru, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic.

Stir until the sugar dissolves and the dressing looks glossy and evenly red.
6

Add the squid to the dressing and toss gently by hand or with a spatula until every piece is coated.

Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil and sesame seeds, mix once more, and serve right away.