Cut 250g of squid strips into bite-sized pieces using scissors, making sure not to clump or tangle them.
Add 4 tablespoons of corn syrup to the prepared squid strips, mix thoroughly, and let sit for 20 minutes to soften.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan or wok, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and sauté over medium heat.
Stir continuously to prevent burning; when the sharp aroma fades and a rich, nutty fragrance emerges, add 1 cup (200ml) of water.
Add 5 tablespoons of fermented soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of mirin, and 2 tablespoons of corn syrup one at a time, then increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
Once the sauce begins to bubble evenly, add the squid strips that have been marinated in corn syrup for 20 minutes.
Occasionally flip the squid strips with chopsticks during cooking to ensure even coating of the sauce.
Continue cooking until the sauce is well absorbed and just dry—do not let it pool heavily on the bottom of the pan—and then turn off the heat.
After turning off the heat, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds gently to finish.
Cut squid strips into bite-sized pieces and marinate in corn syrup for 20 minutes.
Sauté minced garlic in vegetable oil, then add water, soy sauce, mirin, and corn syrup, and bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, add the squid strips and cook until dry and glossy, then mix in sesame oil and sesame seeds to finish.
Cooking tips 💡
Marinating squid strips in corn syrup before cooking locks in moisture, so they remain tender and never become tough—even after refrigeration.
When sautéing minced garlic, use medium heat or lower to avoid burning; this allows a clean, fragrant, nutty aroma to develop.
Add sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds only after turning off the heat, using residual warmth to preserve their aroma and richness.
Okjubu Squid Vegetable Salad
A healthy salad with chewy squid and fresh fruits in a sweet and sour special balsamic dressing.