Grilled Ginger-Soy Squid (Ika Shoga Yaki)
Grilled Ginger-Soy Squid, known as Ika Shoga Yaki, is an exquisite dish from Japanese cuisine that highlights the tender, delicate flavor of squid paired with the fragrant warmth of ginger. Marinated briefly in a delightful mix of soy sauce and mirin, this dish is quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated appetizer. The subtle sweetness of mirin, combined with the punchy spice of ginger, creates a perfectly balanced marinade that imparts rich flavors while maintaining the freshness of the seafood. Serve it over steamed rice and alongside crisp green vegetables for a wholesome meal that brings a taste of Japan to your table.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Squid
500 g (thinly sliced (squid cubes))
Fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (grated)
Soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Mirin
2 tablespoons (none)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine freshly grated ginger, soy sauce, and mirin. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Add the thinly sliced squid to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated in the marinade. Allow the squid to marinate for 15 minutes, which will enhance its flavor.
3
Heat a wok or skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil, ensuring it is hot but not smoking.
4
Remove the squid from the marinade, reserving any leftover liquid for later. Carefully place the squid in the hot pan, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
5
Quickly stir-fry the squid for about 3-4 minutes, or until it changes color and becomes opaque. It's important not to overcook it, as this will result in a rubbery texture.
6
Once the squid is nearly cooked, pour the reserved marinade into the pan. Stir quickly to coat the squid, allowing the marinade to heat through without burning.
7
Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice and a side of green vegetables, garnishing with additional ginger if desired.
8
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Ginger-Soy Squid!
Nutrition Information
7.5 g
Fat
9 g
Carbs
16 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ika Shoga Yaki?
Ika Shoga Yaki is a Japanese dish consisting of squid grilled or stir-fried with a flavorful ginger and soy sauce marinade.
What does the name Ika Shoga Yaki mean?
In Japanese, Ika means squid, Shoga means ginger, and Yaki means grilled or fried.
How many calories are in this Grilled Ginger-Soy Squid recipe?
One serving of this recipe contains approximately 175 calories.
Is this recipe a good source of protein?
Yes, each serving provides about 16 grams of protein.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade is made from freshly grated ginger, soy sauce, and mirin.
How long should the squid marinate?
The squid should marinate for approximately 15 minutes to enhance its flavor without breaking down the texture.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does it take to cook the squid?
The squid should be stir-fried quickly for about 3 to 4 minutes over high heat.
Why did my squid turn out rubbery?
Squid becomes rubbery if it is overcooked; it is essential to remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes opaque.
What type of oil should I use for stir-frying the squid?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, which has a high smoke point suitable for high-heat cooking.
Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen squid, but ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before marinating.
How should I prepare the squid before cooking?
The squid should be thinly sliced into cubes or rings to ensure quick and even cooking.
What side dishes go well with Ika Shoga Yaki?
It is traditionally served with steamed rice and crisp green vegetables like bok choy or broccoli.
What is mirin and can I substitute it?
Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine; if unavailable, you can substitute it with dry sherry and a pinch of sugar.
Is this dish spicy?
It is not spicy in terms of chili heat, but it has a warm, punchy spice from the fresh ginger.
Can I use a regular skillet if I don't have a wok?
Yes, a large skillet will work as long as it can be heated to a high temperature.
How do I know when the squid is done cooking?
The squid is done when it changes color from translucent to opaque and feels firm but tender.
Should I use fresh or bottled ginger?
Freshly grated ginger is recommended for the most fragrant and authentic flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the stir-fry?
While this recipe focuses on the squid, you can certainly add snap peas or bell peppers to the pan.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it requires only 15 minutes of marinating and 4 minutes of cooking, it is very fast.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
The recipe suggests reserving the marinade and pouring it into the pan at the end of cooking to coat the squid.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
No, it is an easy recipe that uses only 5 main ingredients.
What is the total amount of squid needed?
You will need 500 grams of thinly sliced squid.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, it contains soy sauce which usually has wheat; use tamari instead to make it gluten-free.
Can I use this marinade for other seafood?
Yes, the ginger-soy-mirin marinade works excellently with shrimp or scallops.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Do I need to add salt to this dish?
Additional salt is usually unnecessary as the soy sauce provides enough sodium for the dish.
Can I garnish the dish with anything?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional grated ginger or sliced green onions.
Should I cook the squid in batches?
Yes, avoid overcrowding the pan so the squid sears properly instead of steaming.