Spicy Dried Squid Stir-fry

Spicy seasoned dried squid strips stir-fry is a dish where softened squid strips are briefly stir-fried after soaking, coated with a sauce of gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. The key is to mix quickly so the sauce coats evenly, and the final texture varies greatly depending on the moisture state of the squid strips. If you drain the soaking water well, the sauce will not become runny and will cling with a glossy finish. Conversely, if you want a moister and softer texture, you don’t need to squeeze out every drop of moisture, but in this case, if you fry on high heat for too long, the sauce may burn or the squid strips can become tough. The basic seasoning provides a spicy-sweet flavor, and additional gochugaru (red pepper powder) is added only when a stronger spiciness is desired. Gochugaru adds color and heat, but if the pan is too hot and you fry for too long, it can taste flat or bitter, so it’s better to add it at the finishing stage.