This dish of grilled Korean squid, or 오징어구이, is a good example of "don't have the right ingredient but I'll be damned if I'm not going to make due." Whole squid are totally impossible to obtain here in the desert, so I've instead used frozen calamari rings but prepared them in a Korean style. Aesthetically not the most beautiful dish I've prepared, but oh my gosh was this delicious...
I really could not eat this fast enough. A few years ago, I would have told you I disliked squid. But now I'm a huge squid fan and I can never get enough. And fortunately, this particular batch of squid was tender beyond belief. Savory, salty, sweet, and tender with just a little bit of chewiness -- ahhhh! So delicious.
I have tried similar Korean recipes in the past but I was disappointed by the consistency of the squid as well as the marinade sauce. In this recipe, I loved both. The squid are kept tender by a combination of parboiling (quickly) and grilling. The seasoning was also heartier and zestier than what I've tried before. I will be making this again.
1. Begin by parboiling your squid very briefly. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the marinade by combining 2 tsp gochujang, 2 green onions (sliced in large pieces), 1/2 tsp sugar, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp chopped garlic, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp sesame seeds, and a dash of black pepper.
3. Heat a grill and grill until the squid begin to blacken.
By the way, my new hobby is learning Korean! And guess what? Youtube has a fantastic series of shows devoted to just that. How cool is that?
Wish me luck!
Comments
Wow that looks too good!
Posted by: Jeff | January 1, 2007 09:05 AM
I love squid meals too. I haven't tried grilled version yet but I am so sure that I will love it. It looks delicious.
Posted by: sue | January 2, 2007 06:29 AM
mmmm looks good.. even if you don't say so! i LOVE seafood and what better way to make it but to make it grilled and tastey like that!
oh, and learning the korean language is HARD!! i watched the youtube episode you had posted.. and man, i can't even say hello. :( i don't really forsee me learning korean to be an easy feat.. EEP!
Posted by: deborah | January 2, 2007 07:22 PM
Jeff: thanks it tasted even better! :-) I actually ended up making this for lunch the following day. Believe when I say that grilling makes all the difference in the world. I tried this fried in a wok and it just wasn't the same at all.
Sue: you really should try it grilled. That makes the flavor so unique, and adds crunchy texture too. Crunchy things with gochujang is the best!
Deb: I'm primarily using Rosetta stone for my Korean lessons but I'm finding the youtube videos to be kind of a fun supplement. They speak way too fast but at least you get some basic phrases. Wish me luck. I'm having fun.
Posted by: Evil Jonny | January 3, 2007 05:54 PM
i dont really enjoy squid, but looking at this photo, makes me feel like eating them!!! grr...:p
Posted by: lestat | January 29, 2007 06:08 AM
My Goodness!
This particular post appeared in my search results. It really pulled me to your main page.
Chancing upon your blog is a big contribution to my today's "I feel so satisfied" list.
Thank you for sharing your recipes and taking so much care with the visual aesthetics and presentation.
I'm definitely going to try your recipes out.
Posted by: Foon Ee | July 9, 2007 06:56 AM
It's "make do."
My sister loves squid. That's what she always gets when we go out for Korean food.
Your photos are gorgeous!
Posted by: Helena | November 7, 2007 04:39 PM