Fermented squid side dish (오징어젓)
# How to Make "Oing" – Salty Fermented Squid: A Step-by-Step Guide
by [Your Name]
## Introduction
Hello everyone! Today, we’re going to learn how to make a delicious and unique side dish called "oing." Oing is a salty fermented squid that’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. This dish is perfect for those who love something savory and umami-rich. So, let’s get started!
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## Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make oing:
- Small size squids (available in Chinatown for under $7)
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes
- Corn syrup (½ cup)
- Fish sauce (1 tbsp)
- Green onions
- Garlic (sliced thinly)
- Ginger (small piece)
- Green chili peppers
- Red chili peppers
- Sesame seeds (optional, 2 tbsp)
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## Step-by-Step Instructions
### **Preparing the Squid**
1. **Buying the Squid:** Start by purchasing small size squids from Chinatown. They are affordable and perfect for this dish.
2. **Cutting and Cleaning:** Cut each squid in half lengthwise. Remove the inner skirts, which look like thin plastic or bones. You’ll see these as a clear membrane inside the squid. Discard these parts completely.
3. **Preparing for Brining:** Place the cleaned squids in a bowl. The host mentioned that this is small stuff, so you don’t need to worry about complicated techniques—just follow the steps carefully.
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### **Brining Process**
1. **First Brine:** Sprinkle salt over the squid and mix well. Let it sit for a short time.
2. **Multiple Brines:** Rinse the squid under cold water after a few minutes. Repeat this process multiple times, adding more salt each time. The host emphasized that this step is crucial to draw out the moisture and enhance the flavor of the squid.
3. **Fermentation:** After brining several times, store the squid in the refrigerator for about 1 month. This allows the squid to ferment properly, developing a tangy and salty flavor.
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### **Post-Fermentation Process**
1. **Rinsing and Blanching:** After 1 month, rinse the fermented squid under cold water. Then, blanch them in boiling water for 20-30 seconds. Drain and set aside. The host mentioned that the squid will look soft, delicious, and sweet after this step.
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### **Making the Dipping Sauce**
1. **Red Paste Ingredients:** While the squid are cooking or after draining, prepare the dipping sauce:
- Combine red pepper flakes with corn syrup (½ cup) and fish sauce (1 tbsp).
- Add thinly sliced green onions, garlic, ginger, green chili peppers, and red chili peppers to the mixture.
2. **Mixing the Sauce:** Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The host noted that this sauce is sweet with a slight kick of heat, so feel free to tweak it according to your preferences.
3. **Adding Sesame Seeds (Optional):** Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds into the dipping sauce for extra aroma and texture. Mix well.
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### **Serving Suggestions**
1. **Blanching Squid:** Take a few pieces of the fermented squid and blanch them again in boiling water if desired. The host demonstrated this step, showing how soft and delicious the squid becomes after blanching.
2. **Tasting:** Serve the oing with the dipping sauce on the side. The host encouraged tasting it right away, as it’s incredibly flavorful and satisfyingly salty.
3. **Storage:** Store any leftover oing in the refrigerator, where it will keep for months. The host mentioned that this dish can be enjoyed for up to four months, making it a great make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.
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## Conclusion
There you have it—your complete guide to making "oing," the salty fermented squid side dish. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also versatile. You can enjoy oing as a snack on its own or pair it with rice and other dishes. It’s perfect for those who love bold, savory flavors, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Thank you for watching! We’ll see you next time with another delicious recipe. Bye-bye!