Gochujang Jinmichae Side Dish Recipe & Video
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish to spice up your meals, look no further! Gochujang Jinmichae is a classic Korean side dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Made with dried and shredded squid, this dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. Keep reading to discover how to make this delicious side dish at home!
What is Gochujang Jinmichae?
Gochujang Jinmichae is a popular Korean side dish made by marinating dried and shredded squid in a sweet and spicy sauce made with Gochujang. The chewy texture of the jinmichae pairs perfectly with the rich, bold flavors of the sauce, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with rice, using it as a snack, or even rolling it into kimbap, Gochujang Jinmichae is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Health Benefits of Squid & Gochujang
One of the main ingredients in this dish is Gochujang. Not only does it add a delicious spicy kick, but it also offers several health benefits. Gochujang is made from fermented chili peppers, which are rich in capsaicin—a compound known for boosting metabolism and aiding in weight loss. The fermentation process also introduces probiotics, which can improve gut health and digestion. Also, squid is particularly rich in taurine. Here’s few health benefits of squid:
- High in Protein: Squid is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall body function.
- Rich in Taurine: Squid is particularly rich in taurine, which supports heart health, eye health, and nervous system function.
- Low in Calories and Fat: Squid is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for maintaining or losing weight.
- Good Source of Minerals: Squid provides important minerals like iron and phosphorus, which are essential for blood health and bone strength.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tasty side dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 oz jinmichae (dried & shredded squid)
- 2 tsp mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tsp sesame oil
How to Make Gochujang Jinmichae
Prepare the Jinmichae:
First, cut jinmichae with scissors. Wash them in cold water and drain them well. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften. If needed, pat it dry and then mix it with the mayonnaise. Set the jinmichae aside while you prepare the gochujang sauce.
Make the Sauce:
In a medium skillet or saucepan, combine the Gochujang, Gochugaru, Mirin, Soy Sauce, and agave nectar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Finish the Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the sesame seeds and sesame oil. Mix well and let the sauce cool slightly for about 5 minutes. (Cooling the sauce before mixing it with the jinmichae prevents the squid from becoming too hard once refrigerated.)
Combine & Serve:
Finally, add the prepared jinmichae to the sauce and mix well. Gochujang Jinmichae is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with warm cooked rice, as a snack with beer, or use it to make super simple kimbap.
To Make Kimbap:
Mix a generous amount of sesame seeds and sesame oil into warm cooked rice. Spread the rice over a sheet of seasoned seaweed, place the jinmichae on top, roll it up tightly, and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Enjoy!
There You Have It!
Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a long-time fan, Gochujang Jinmichae is a must-try dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Be sure to check out the video for a step-by-step guide, and try making it yourself at home!
Gochujang Jinmichae
- Total Time: 12 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Jinmichae is a side dish that’s popular with both adults and kids; the spicy-sweet flavor of gochujang and the chewy texture of the squid make it a fun dish to eat!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Jinmichae:
First, cut the jinmichae with scissors. Wash them in cold water and drain them well. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften. If needed, pat it dry and then mix it with the mayonnaise. Set the jinmichae aside while you prepare the gochujang sauce. - Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan or medium skillet, combine the gochujang, gochugaru, mirin, soy sauce, and agave nectar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently. - Finish the Sauce:
Once thickened, add the sesame seeds and sesame oil. Mix well and let the sauce cool slightly for about 5 minutes. (Letting the sauce cool before mixing with the jinmichae prevents it from becoming too hard once cooled in the fridge.) - Combine & Serve:
Add the prepared jinmichae to the sauce and mix well. Enjoy it with warm cooked rice, as a snack with beer, or use it to make super simple kimbap! - To Make Kimbap:
Mix a generous amount of sesame seeds and sesame oil into warm cooked rice. Spread the rice over a sheet of seasoned seaweed (You can use regular kimbap seaweed that is only roasted and not seasoned), place the jinmichae on top, roll it up tightly, and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins