Ojingeo Bokkeum is a popular Korean dish featuring tender squid stir-fried in a spicy, sweet, and savory gochujang-based sauce. This dish is packed with bold flavors, a slightly chewy texture, and is often served with rice and banchan (side dishes). It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a bit of heat.
Ingredients
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400g fresh squid (or frozen, cleaned and sliced)
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1 onion, sliced
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1 carrot, julienned
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1-2 green onions, cut into strips
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1-2 red or green chili peppers (optional, for extra heat)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
Sauce:
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2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
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1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes; adjust to taste for desired spice level)
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1 tbsp rice syrup or corn syrup (optional, for glossiness)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp minced ginger
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1 tbsp mirin or soju (optional, for depth)
Execution
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Prep Squid: Clean squid, remove the cartilage, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well.
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Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
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Cook Veggies: Add onions, carrots, and chili peppers; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
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Add Squid & Sauce: Toss in squid and sauce, stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until squid is cooked.
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Finish: Add green onions and sesame oil, then remove from heat.
Additional Tips
✔ Squid Prep: If using frozen squid, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture.
✔ Tenderness: Do not overcook squid—just 2-3 minutes of stir-frying keeps it tender.
✔ Veggie Variations: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more texture and flavor.
✔ Spice Control: Reduce gochujang/gochugaru if you prefer milder heat.
✔ Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Q&A About Ojingeo Bokkeum
1. What is Ojingeo Bokkeum?
A: Craving something spicy and full of flavor? Let me introduce you to Ojingeo Bokkeum (오징어볶음) — a fiery Korean stir-fried squid dish that brings the heat in the most delicious way. Tossed in a bold, sweet-and-savory gochujang sauce, this dish is all about that irresistible chewy texture and rich, umami-packed flavor. It’s a classic comfort meal often paired with warm rice and a spread of banchan (Korean side dishes) for the perfect balance.
Can I use frozen squid?
A: Yes! Fully thaw the frozen squid, pat it dry, and slice it into thin pieces. Fresh squid is ideal for tenderness, but frozen works well if properly prepped.
How do I prevent rubbery squid?
A:
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Don’t overcook! Stir-fry on high heat for 2–3 minutes max.
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Score the squid with a crosshatch pattern to ensure even cooking.
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Marinate briefly in milk or ginger juice to tenderize.
Is there a non-spicy version?
A: Yes! Replace gochujang with doenjang (soybean paste) and omit gochugaru. Add a touch of honey for sweetness.
What’s the best way to serve it?
A:
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With steamed rice to balance the heat.
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Paired with cool banchan (e.g., cucumber salad, kongnamul).
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Topped with sesame seeds or perilla leaves for freshness.
Can I add other ingredients?
A: Absolutely! Popular additions:
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Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms.
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Protein: Shrimp, pork belly, or tofu.
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Noodles: Serve over japchae for a hearty meal.
How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently to avoid toughening the squid.
Is this dish healthy?
A: Yes! Squid is low-calorie, high-protein, and rich in selenium. The sauce has probiotics (from gochujang), but watch the sugar content.
What’s the difference between Ojingeo Bokkeum and Nakji Bokkeum?
A:
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Ojingeo Bokkeum = Squid (usually milder, simpler veggies).
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Nakji Bokkeum = Spicy stir-fried octopus (chewier, often includes more sauce and noodles).
Can I meal-prep this dish?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can:
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Prep sauce and veggies ahead (store separately).
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Cook squid just before eating to maintain texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🔥 Bold, Addictive Flavors – The perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory from the gochujang-based sauce will keep you coming back for more.
⏱️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute cravings.
🦑 Perfectly Tender Squid – Follow our tips to avoid rubbery squid and achieve that just-right chewiness every time.
🌶️ Customizable Heat Level – Love it fiery? Add extra gochugaru. Prefer mild? Adjust the spice to your taste.
🥬 Packed with Veggies – Onions, carrots, and peppers add crunch and freshness, balancing the dish’s richness.
🍚 Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it with rice, noodles, or even as a drinking snack (anju) with soju!
💡 Meal-Prep Friendly – Prep the sauce and veggies ahead for an even faster cook time.
🇰🇷 True Korean Homestyle – Capture the soulful flavors of a halmoni’s kitchen or the sizzling energy of a pojangmacha street cart in every bite.
Whether you’re a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or just looking for a fast, flavorful meal, this Ojingeo Bokkeum will become a new favorite!
Craving it yet? 😉 Let’s get cooking!
Happy Cooking
Diana
