How to Perfectly Boil Octopus for a Tender and Delicious Result
How to Perfectly Boil Octopus for a Tender and Delicious Result
Mastering the Art of Boiling Octopus
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about preparing and boiling octopus at home, ensuring a tender, flavorful, and restaurant-quality result. Perfect for hosting guests or special occasions!
Key Ingredients- 1 fresh whole octopus
- 1 handful coarse salt (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 3 Tbsp soju (or rice wine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Using scissors, carefully cut out the octopus’s eyes. Removing this part helps prevent any bitterness in the final dish.
Step 2
Turn the octopus head inside out. Gently insert your thumbs into the opening of the head and push outwards to invert it.
Step 3
Once inverted, remove the internal organs and beak from the head using scissors or your fingers. Then, turn the head back to its original position.
Step 4
Locate the beak at the center of the octopus’s tentacles. Push firmly with your fingers to extract it. Removing the beak ensures a better eating experience after cooking. (If you prefer, you can also remove it after boiling.)
Step 5
Now, let’s clean the octopus thoroughly. Fill a bowl with cold water and add a handful of coarse salt (about 1/2 cup). Adjust the salt amount based on the size of your octopus.
Step 6
Add the octopus to the saltwater and rub it vigorously, creating friction (known as ‘barak-barak’). This process effectively removes any slime and impurities, resulting in a cleaner and tastier octopus.
Step 7
Rinse the octopus thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring it’s completely clean. Pay special attention to the inside of the head. Once cleaned, place the octopus in a colander to drain excess water.
Step 8
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 3 tablespoons of soju (or rice wine). The alcohol helps to eliminate any fishy odors from the octopus. Carefully submerge the entire octopus into the boiling water. Boil for approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on the octopus’s size. Be mindful not to overcook, as it can become tough.
Step 9
Remove the boiled octopus from the water and place it in a colander to drain. While delicious served immediately, allowing it to cool slightly before slicing will enhance its chewy texture. Enjoy your perfectly boiled octopus!
