This Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus brings together tender seafood, chewy noodles, and a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. The bright red chili paste and sesame oil add a rich depth of flavor that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner, this dish is a winner. The combination of fresh squid and octopus provides a unique texture contrast that pairs wonderfully with the thick, satisfying udon noodles. Plus, it’s quick to make, making it a great option for a busy weeknight meal!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
200g udon noodles
-
150g squid, cleaned and sliced
-
150g octopus, cleaned and sliced
-
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
-
1 onion, thinly sliced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
2 tablespoons soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
-
1 teaspoon sugar
-
1 teaspoon chili paste
-
1 tablespoon sesame oil
-
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
-
2 green onions, chopped
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Directions:
-
Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add the squid and octopus to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they are just cooked through.
-
Add the bell pepper slices and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
-
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and stir to coat the seafood and vegetables.
-
Add the cooked udon noodles and sesame oil. Toss everything together until evenly combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
What Makes Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus Stand Out?
This dish stands out for several reasons, from its robust flavors to its quick and easy preparation. Udon noodles, which are thick and chewy, provide a perfect base for this stir-fry, allowing them to absorb all the delicious sauce and spices. The squid and octopus not only bring a distinctive taste and texture but also offer a nutritional boost with their lean protein and low fat content.
The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors that work in unison. The soy sauce and oyster sauce bring a salty umami base, while the chili paste adds a fiery kick. Sesame oil enhances the dish with a nutty aroma, and sesame seeds provide an appealing crunch. This savory, slightly spicy dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys seafood or bold flavors.
How to Serve Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus
Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus can be served as a standalone dish or paired with other Asian-inspired sides. A simple cucumber salad with a vinegar-based dressing would provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the noodles. Alternatively, you can serve it with steamed vegetables or a side of pickled ginger to balance out the rich, bold flavors.
If you’re preparing this dish for a family meal or a dinner party, consider serving it alongside some light appetizers such as spring rolls or gyoza. A chilled glass of white wine or iced green tea would complement the dish perfectly, helping to balance the heat and cleanse the palate.
Variations and Customization
One of the reasons this recipe is so popular is its versatility. While the combination of squid and octopus is traditional, you can substitute these seafood items with other proteins like shrimp, scallops, or chicken if you prefer. Tofu can also be used as a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version of the dish.
In addition, you can customize the vegetables included in the stir-fry. Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots are all great choices and can be added according to your personal taste. If you want to make the dish even spicier, feel free to increase the amount of chili paste or add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the finished plate.
For those who enjoy a little more sauce in their stir-fry, you can easily increase the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce, ensuring the noodles are well-coated and flavorful. The balance of these ingredients is essential for achieving the right amount of savory and spicy notes.
Health Benefits of Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus
Beyond its delicious taste, Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus is also a healthy meal choice. Seafood like squid and octopus are excellent sources of lean protein and are low in fat, making them ideal for those who are looking to maintain a healthy diet. Squid is particularly rich in minerals like copper and selenium, while octopus is packed with vitamins like B12, which is essential for energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Udon noodles, while rich in carbohydrates, provide a hearty and satisfying base for the dish. They also offer some dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. When combined with the fresh vegetables and the antioxidants in chili paste and sesame oil, this dish becomes a balanced meal that supports overall health.
Perfect for Quick Weeknight Dinners
One of the standout features of Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus is its speed and convenience. This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen. The stir-frying process is quick, and the ingredients cook rapidly, ensuring that the dish retains its freshness and vibrant flavors.
Furthermore, the simplicity of the recipe means that you don’t need any specialized kitchen equipment. A wok or large skillet is all you need to bring this dish together. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or an experienced chef, this dish can be easily adapted to suit your cooking style.
Pairing Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Drinks
When it comes to pairing drinks with Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus, you want something that will balance the spiciness and enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish. A crisp, light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well, as these wines have the acidity to cut through the richness of the stir-fry while complementing the seafood.
For a non-alcoholic option, green tea or iced jasmine tea are excellent choices. Both drinks offer a light, refreshing contrast to the heat of the chili paste and help cleanse the palate between bites. If you’re looking for something with a bit more complexity, a cold glass of ginger beer provides a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy and savory notes of the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus is the perfect meal for anyone who enjoys bold, flavorful, and satisfying dishes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply someone who enjoys a bit of heat in your meals, this dish offers something for everyone. The udon noodles provide a hearty base, while the squid and octopus bring a touch of elegance and sophistication. The sauce, made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste, brings everything together in a symphony of flavor.
Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also gives you the flexibility to customize it to your taste. You can adjust the level of spice, swap in different proteins, or add extra vegetables to make it your own. It’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making it for yourself or preparing it for a family gathering or dinner party.
Conclusion
Spicy Stir-Fried Udon with Squid and Octopus is a must-try dish for anyone looking to add some excitement to their dinner table. With its vibrant flavors, quick preparation, and healthy ingredients, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish offers a great opportunity to experiment with bold flavors and make a meal that will impress everyone at your table. So, why not spice things up tonight with this delicious and satisfying stir-fry?