Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Squid: A Quick & Flavorful Recipe

Ojabokeu (오징어볶음), or spicy stir-fried squid, is a vibrant and flavorful Korean dish that packs a fiery punch. This beloved street food and home-cooked favorite is characterized by its tender, slightly chewy squid, coated in a rich, intensely savory sauce bursting with gochujang (Korean chili paste), gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and a symphony of aromatic ingredients. The addictive combination of sweet, spicy, and savory makes Ojabokeu a truly unforgettable culinary experience, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a satisfying solo meal. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, offering big flavor with minimal effort.

Beyond its irresistible taste, Ojabokeu's beauty lies in its simplicity. With readily available ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, even novice cooks can master this dish. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create your own batch of this spicy Korean delight? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • Tricolor bell peppers
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Onions
  • Jalapeno
  • Korean green peppers
  • Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
  • Korean red pepper paste (Gochujang): 3 tablespoons
  • Minced garlic: 5 cloves
  • Sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Ginger: a couple of slivers
  • Sesame seeds
  • Flour
  • Squid
  • Squid legs
  • Potato starch: 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Seasoning

  • Chop up the vegetables (tricolor bell peppers, carrots, green onions, onions, and jalapeno). You can substitute Korean green peppers.
  • Combine soy sauce, Korean red pepper paste, minced garlic, sugar, and ginger.
  • Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces.
Chop up the vegetables (tricolor bell peppers, carrots, green onions, onions, and jalapeno). You can substitute Korean green peppers.Prepare the seasoning: Combine soy sauce, Korean red pepper paste, minced garlic, sugar, and ginger.Cut the squid into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare Ingredients & Seasoning

Step 2. Stir-fry Vegetables and Sauce

  • Fry the vegetables in a pan until softened.
  • Add the soy sauce, garlic, sugar, ginger, and Korean red pepper paste to the pan with the vegetables and stir-fry.
Fry the vegetables in a pan until softened.Add the soy sauce, garlic, sugar, ginger, and Korean red pepper paste to the pan with the vegetables and stir-fry.
Stir-fry Vegetables and Sauce

Step 3. Cook the Squid and Thicken the Sauce

  • Add the squid to the pan and continue stir-frying until cooked through. The vegetables will release liquid as they cook.
  • Mix 1 tablespoon of potato starch with a little water to create a slurry. Add it to the pan to thicken the sauce.
Add the squid to the pan and continue stir-frying until cooked through. The vegetables will release liquid as they cook.Mix 1 tablespoon of potato starch with a little water to create a slurry. Add it to the pan to thicken the sauce.
Cook the Squid and Thicken the Sauce

Step 4. Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish with sesame seeds.
  • Serve hot.
Garnish with sesame seeds.
Garnish and Serve

Read more: Crispy Spicy Honey Garlic Korean Chicken Recipe

Tips

  • Use a mix of squid bodies and legs for better texture.
  • Adjust the amount of Korean red pepper paste to your preferred level of spiciness.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 500-600
  • Fat: 20-25g
  • Carbs: 50-60g
  • Protein: 30-35g

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

2. What can I substitute for gochujang if I don't have any?

You can try a combination of red pepper paste and a touch of brown sugar for a similar flavor profile, but the authentic taste of gochujang is hard to replicate.

3. How do I adjust the spiciness level?

Control the amount of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) you add. Start with less and gradually increase to your desired level of heat.


This Spicy Korean Stir-fried Squid recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating explosive flavor. Enjoy this quick and easy dish as a satisfying meal or a delicious side to complement other Korean dishes. Now go forth and conquer your cravings for spicy, savory goodness!