Chuseok Table Essential: Perfectly Tender and Chewy Octopus
Chuseok Table Essential: Perfectly Tender and Chewy Octopus
How to Boil Octopus Tender and Delicious for the Chuseok Ancestral Table
A foolproof method for boiling octopus so it’s incredibly tender and never tough, a must-have for the Chuseok ancestral table.
Ingredients for Boiling Octopus- 1 whole octopus (choose a fresh one)
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (excellent for removing slimy residue and impurities)
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for seasoning and achieving a chewy texture)
- A small piece of radish (helps tenderize the octopus and removes odor)
- A small piece of dried kelp (adds a deep umami flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, turn the octopus head inside out to remove the internal organs and ink sac. This step is crucial to prevent any fishy smell. Rinse thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Place the octopus in a bowl and add 3 tablespoons of flour. Rub the octopus vigorously with the flour, as if scrubbing it with your hands. The flour will absorb the slimy mucus and any impurities from the surface, making it clean. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 3
Next, add 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt and rub the octopus again with force. Coarse salt helps firm up the octopus meat and contributes to its chewy texture. Rinse thoroughly once more.
Step 4
Fill a pot with enough water to cover the octopus. Add the thinly sliced radish and 2 pieces of dried kelp. Radish and kelp help to remove any unwanted odors from the octopus and create a clear, flavorful broth, enhancing the taste. Prepare the pot so it’s ready when the water boils.
Step 5
Once the water is boiling, grasp the octopus by the head and dip it into the boiling water, then lift it out, repeating this 2-3 times. This technique helps the tentacles curl beautifully, giving it an attractive shape. Finally, submerge the entire octopus, including the head, into the water. Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 20-30 minutes. (Adjust cooking time based on the size of the octopus).
