Have you ever tasted a dish so simple yet so full of flavor that it made you wonder how such a small list of ingredients could create something so bold? Many people think seafood dishes require long cooking times or complicated steps, but this recipe proves the opposite. Spicy Grilled Squid スパイシーなイカ焼き is one of those recipes that surprises you. It cooks fast, tastes amazing, and brings out the natural sweetness of squid with a warm, spicy kick.

If you love easy recipes that still feel exciting, this dish will become a favorite.

Table of Contents

Overview

Spicy Grilled Squid スパイシーなイカ焼き is a quick Japanese-inspired seafood dish with a Korean twist. The squid is grilled or stir-fried over high heat, coated with a spicy gochujang sauce, and finished with roasted sesame seeds. Everything comes together in minutes, yet the flavor feels deep and satisfying.

Why this recipe is special

This dish stands out because it balances sweet, spicy, salty, and smoky flavors in one bite. The squid cooks in just a few minutes, staying tender as long as you avoid overcooking it. The sauce is simple but powerful, using only a few pantry staples: soy sauce, mirin, gochujang, and sugar.

Time required

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 5–7 minutes
• Total time: Under 20 minutes

Difficulty level

This is an easy recipe. The steps are straightforward, and the cooking time is very short, so it’s perfect even for beginners.

Quick Facts Spicy Grilled Squid (スパイシーなイカ焼き)

Difficulty

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Easy

Total Time

15–20 minutes quick stovetop cooking

Spicy Grilled Squid スパイシーなイカ焼き @JapanDishes

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Essential Ingredients

Here is what you need and why each ingredient matters:

Main Ingredients

Dried Squid (3 cups / net 300 g)
Dried squid adds a firm texture and deep umami flavor. When cooked quickly, it becomes tender but slightly chewy. If dried squid is not available, you can use fresh squid, but the flavor will be milder.
Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon)
Sesame oil adds a rich aroma and helps the squid sear properly.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have gochujang, you can use:

• Chili paste
• Sriracha (for a milder version)
• Red pepper flakes mixed with a little honey

If you don’t have mirin, you can use:

• A small splash of rice vinegar plus extra sugar
• A bit of apple juice

These substitutions keep the balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the squid

This is the most important step because squid needs to be cleaned well for the best flavor.

1. Remove the innards and cartilage.
2. Rinse the inside under running water. Make sure no sandy bits remain.
3. Remove the beak, eyes, and small suckers from the tentacles.
4. Rinse everything again.
5. Pat dry with paper towels.
6. Cut the body into 1 cm strips and the tentacles into two pieces each.

Drying the squid well is important because moisture prevents good browning.

Step 2: Heat the pan & Stir-fry the squid

Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a frying pan over high heat. A very hot pan helps the squid cook fast without becoming rubbery.

Add the squid to the hot pan and stir-fry until the color changes. Squid cooks very quickly. When it turns opaque and firmer, it’s ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add the sauce

Add the mixed ingredients from group A:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon gochujang
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Stir well so the sauce coats the squid evenly. Continue cooking on high heat until only a little liquid remains. The sauce should cling to the squid.

Step 4: Finish and garnish

Remove from heat. Place the squid in a serving bowl and add:

• Finely chopped green onion
• Roasted white sesame seeds

For extra heat, add shichimi or ichimi.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips that make this recipe even better:

• ♥
  Do not overcook the squid
  Squid turns rubbery when cooked too long. Keeping the heat high and the cooking time short ensures a tender result.
• ♥
  Dry the squid very well
  If the squid is wet, it will steam instead of searing, which prevents browning and reduces flavor.
• ♥
  Use a large pan
  Make sure the squid has plenty of space to cook evenly without overcrowding.
• ♥
  Taste and adjust heat levels
  Add extra gochujang or chili flakes if you prefer more spice and a stronger kick.
• ♥
  Add mirin for flavor balance
  Mirin brings sweetness and shine. Without it, the dish may taste a bit flat.

Assembly

This dish does not need many steps to assemble, but there is a simple way to make it look beautiful on the plate:

1. Scoop the squid into the center of a shallow dish.
2. Let the sauce gather around it like a glaze.
3. Add a light sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.
4. Fan out the sliced green onions.
5. For a Japanese-style touch, serve on a dark ceramic plate.

Presentation Tips

• A small portion in a round dish looks stylish.
• Use a contrasting color plate to make the red sauce stand out.
• Add a few lemon slices for color and freshness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Even though this dish is best fresh, you can store leftovers properly.

Storage

• Keep the squid in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

• Heat in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving. It can make the squid rubbery.

Make-Ahead Tips

• You can clean and cut the squid ahead of time.
• Mix the sauce ingredients in advance and store in the fridge.
• When you are ready to cook, everything comes together in minutes.

Recipe Variations

Here are fun ways to change the recipe:

Garlic Spicy Squid

Add two grated cloves of garlic to the sauce.

Sweet and Spicy Squid

Use a little more sugar or add honey.

Extra Crispy Squid

Dust squid lightly with cornstarch before cooking for a slight crust.

Grilled Skewer Version

Thread squid onto skewers and cook on a grill instead of a pan.

Vegetable Mix Version

Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or cabbage while stir-frying.

More Seafood Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoy seafood recipes with bold flavors, you will love this Spicy Grilled Squid. It cooks fast, tastes amazing, and brings a perfect mix of sweet, salty, and spicy. If you want more tasty ideas, you can also try my Japanese Stir-Fried Octopus and Potatoes or explore something light and refreshing like my Japanese Octopus Carpaccio Recipe.
These dishes pair well together and give you even more delicious seafood choices.

Conclusion

Spicy Grilled Squid スパイシーなイカ焼き is a dish that anyone can enjoy. Even though it uses simple ingredients, it delivers bold flavor in every bite. It cooks quickly, tastes amazing, and is perfect for snacks, side dishes, or sharing with friends. Once you try it, you may want to make it again and again. Feel free to adjust the spice level and try different variations. Cooking should be fun, and this recipe gives you plenty of room to be creative.

FAQs

1. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate spice level from gochujang. You can add more or less depending on your taste.

2. Is squid healthy?

Yes. Squid is high in protein, low in fat, and contains minerals like zinc and copper.

3. Can I make this without gochujang?

Yes. You can use chili paste or red pepper flakes, but the flavor will be slightly different.

4. How do I keep the squid tender?

Cook it quickly over high heat. Do not simmer or overcook.

5. Can I use frozen squid?

Yes. Just thaw it well and dry it completely before cooking.

6. What can I serve with Spicy Grilled Squid?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, or cold drinks like beer.

7. Can I grill instead of stir-fry?

Yes. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that works very well with spicy sauce.

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