Crispy Fried Baby Octopus
Crispy Fried Baby Octopus
Delicious Fried Baby Octopus Recipe Featuring Fresh Spring Baby Octopus
Experience the delightful combination of chewy baby octopus and a perfectly crispy batter! This recipe for fried baby octopus is simple yet impressive, making it a fantastic appetizer or side dish. It’s also a wonderful treat that kids will love.
For the Fried Baby Octopus- 500g baby octopus, cleaned (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for frying (tempura flour recommended)
For the Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or rice syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Finely Chopped Green Onion
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 5 Tbsp Water
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup or rice syrup)
- 0.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Finely Chopped Green Onion
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 5 Tbsp Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If using frozen baby octopus, thaw it completely by soaking it in cold water. Clean the baby octopus by removing the head and innards. You can set the heads aside to use in another dish if you wish. Prepare only the bodies and tentacles for frying.
Step 2
To achieve a pleasant chewy texture, we’ll briefly blanch the baby octopus in boiling water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the baby octopus and blanch for less than 1 minute. Be careful not to over-blanch, as it can make the octopus tough.
Step 3
To help the baby octopus hold its shape nicely when fried, it’s a good idea to dip the tentacles into the boiling water first and give them a gentle swirl. This will result in a more appealing presentation after frying.
Step 4
After blanching, drain the baby octopus thoroughly using a colander. Ensure all excess water is removed. Residual moisture can prevent the batter from adhering well and may cause oil splattering during frying.
Step 5
Begin the battering process by coating the baby octopus evenly with all-purpose flour. Ensure a thin, even layer adheres to the surface of the octopus.
Step 6
Gently shake off any excess flour. This step helps to create a cleaner, crispier fried coating and prevents loose flour from burning in the oil.
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare the frying batter. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with water and mix until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be like thin pancake batter.
Step 8
Dip the flour-coated baby octopus into the prepared batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Aim for a thin layer of batter for maximum crispiness.
Step 9
Heat the frying oil over medium-low heat. Since the baby octopus has already been blanched, it doesn’t require a long cooking time. Frying at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Step 10
Carefully place the battered baby octopus into the hot oil and fry for the first time. Cook until lightly golden brown. This is the first fry.
Step 11
For an extra crispy finish, remove the baby octopus after the first fry, let it rest for a moment, and then return it to the hot oil for a second, shorter fry. This double-frying technique enhances crispiness.
Step 12
Once fried to a beautiful golden brown, remove the baby octopus from the oil and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. This step is crucial for maintaining crispiness.
Step 13
You can enjoy these delicious fried baby octopus as they are, simply dipped in soy sauce. This allows you to appreciate the natural flavor and texture of the baby octopus.
Step 14
Let’s make the dipping sauce! All measurements are based on standard tablespoon (Tbsp) and teaspoon (tsp) sizes. Combine: 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 1 Tbsp Ketchup, 1 Tbsp Oligodang, 0.5 Tbsp Sugar, 0.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce, 1 tsp Minced Garlic, 1 tsp Finely Chopped Green Onion, a pinch of Black Pepper, and 5 Tbsp Water.
Step 15
In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 16
Once the sauce starts to bubble and simmer, turn off the heat. Avoid boiling for too long, as the sauce can become too salty or burn. It should be lightly reduced.
Step 17
Drizzle the warm sauce lightly over the crispy fried baby octopus, or serve it on the side for dipping. Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking. Enjoy your delicious homemade fried baby octopus!
