Bulgogi-Spiced Squid with Korean Pancakes

A crowd-pleasing Korean dish, our Bulgogi-Spiced Squid with Korean Pancakes is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The tender squid, marinated in a savory bulgogi sauce, is seared to perfection, creating a slightly charred exterior that complements the sweet and tangy marinade. Served alongside crispy and fluffy Korean pancakes, this dish is a true culinary delight.

The origins of bulgogi, the marinade used in our Bulgogi-Spiced Squid, can be traced back to the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - 935 AD) during the Three Kingdoms Period of Korea. Legend has it that a young man named Seoljong found himself lost in the mountains and stumbled upon a wounded deer. Out of compassion, he shared his meager provisions with the deer, who in turn led him to safety. As a token of his gratitude, the deer gifted Seoljong with a secret recipe for marinating meat. This marinade, which became known as bulgogi, has been passed down through generations and remains a beloved staple of Korean cuisine today.

Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound squid, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup bulgogi sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the squid, bulgogi sauce, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Toss to coat.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the squid mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squid is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Stir in the scallions and cornstarch slurry.
6. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Serve the bulgogi-spiced squid over rice, with Korean pancakes on the side.
8. Enjoy this mouth-watering Korean dish with your family and loved ones!

Why It Works

• The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar in the bulgogi sauce creates a sweet and savory marinade that infuses the squid with flavor.
• Marinating the squid for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
• Searing the squid over high heat creates a slightly charred exterior that adds a smoky depth of flavor.
• Stirring in scallions and cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking thickens the sauce and adds a touch of freshness.