Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Octopus Recipe

Spicy Korean stir-fried octopus is a famous dish known for its rich, spicy flavor combined with the unique chewy texture. It’s not only delicious but also offers a unique culinary experience. If you’re looking for the authentic Korean spicy octopus recipe, this article will guide you through the steps to prepare this enticing dish at home.

Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Octopus
Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Octopus – A signature dish in Korean cuisine.

Ingredients Needed

To make spicy Korean stir-fried octopus, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500g small octopuses (or 2 large octopuses)
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 6 green chili peppers
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Seasonings: sugar, soy sauce, pepper, cooking oil

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Preparing the Octopus

After purchasing the octopus, soak it in a light saltwater solution for about 10 minutes to remove impurities. If using frozen octopus, make sure it’s completely thawed before prepping.

Use scissors to remove the intestines, eyes, and beak of the octopus. Then, rub the octopus body with 2 tablespoons of flour for about 2 minutes to remove the slime. Rinse the octopus under running water until all the slime is gone.

Next, blanch the octopus in boiling water for about 15 seconds, then remove and let it drain. If using large octopuses, cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Preparing the Octopus
Properly cleaning the octopus enhances the dish’s flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

• Peel the onion, wash it, and cut it into wedges.
• Peel the carrot, wash it, and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Slice the green chili peppers thinly.

Step 3: Making the Spicy Korean Sauce

Mix the following ingredients in a bowl:

• 2 tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• A pinch of pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

This sauce mixture will give the dish its distinctive flavor.

Step 4: Stir-Frying the Octopus

Place a pan on the stove, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and heat it up. Add the octopus and stir-fry for about 1 minute, then turn off the heat and set it aside.

Step 5: Stir-Frying the Vegetables

In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the carrots and stir-fry for 1 minute over high heat. Next, add the onion and stir-fry for another minute. Finally, add the green chili peppers and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Completing the Dish

Add the pre-stir-fried octopus to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the spicy sauce, mix well, and stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust the seasoning to taste, then turn off the heat.

Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Octopus
Stir-frying octopus with vegetables and spicy sauce.

And there you have it, an authentic Korean spicy stir-fried octopus dish!

How to Enjoy Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Octopus

Koreans typically enjoy this dish with white rice, blanched bean sprouts, or dried seaweed. You can also boil some noodles and mix them with the spicy octopus for a rich and appealing meal.

Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Octopus served with white rice or noodles.

Tips for a Better Spicy Korean Stir-Fried Octopus

• When stir-frying the octopus, adjust the heat to medium to prevent the sauce from burning while ensuring the octopus absorbs the flavors well.
• Stir-fry the octopus for only 2-3 minutes to maintain its chewy texture.
• For effective slime removal, you can rub the octopus with flour twice.
• Add honey or corn syrup to the sauce for a glossy finish and a hint of sweetness.

With this authentic Korean spicy octopus recipe, you’ll have a delicious and appealing dish to treat your family or friends. Give it a try and experience the bold flavors of this Korean delicacy!

Good luck, and don’t forget to share your results with us!