Spicy Shredded Dried Squid

This is another great Korean side dish you have probably encountered at a Korean restaurant. Basically, it's shredded dried squid jerky mixed with hot sauce and sesame oil. Although the hot sauce used for mixing fresh vegetables may include vinegar and excludes sesame oil, this one excludes vinegar and includes sesame oil. It has a very mature and spicy flavor that goes well with the fishy flavor coming from the squid. Whenever I make this side dish, I make my bowl of steamed rice disappear pretty quickly.

1. First, you will need the shredded dried squids from a Korean market. Usually they're already shredded before you buy but make sure you shred some of the bigger and thicker pieces one more time. Thinner they are, easier it is to eat and more flavor of the sauce will be worn on greater surfaces of the shredded squid.



2. This hot sauce contains following ingredients: 1 1/2 tbsp red pepper paste, 1 tbsp corn syrup (or sugar), 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic (or grated), and 1 tbsp of sesame oil.

3. When mixing, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds as well for better flavor.

It gets a little messy when you mix them. It's better if you use a deeper salad bowl or some sort.

Now you have a bowl of steamed rice ready? Watch it quickly devoured with this spicy shredded dried squid banchan!