Savory Stir-Fried Octopus with Vegetables
Savory Stir-Fried Octopus with Vegetables
A Flavorful Octopus and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Perfect for Using Up Leftovers, a Sophisticated Appetizer, or a Hearty Side Dish
This stir-fry features boiled octopus, which was once prepared for my mother-in-law’s ancestral rites, generously combined with a colorful array of fresh vegetables. It offers a delightful chewy texture from the octopus and a satisfying crunch from the vegetables, making it a visually appealing and delicious dish.
Main Ingredients- 150g boiled octopus
- 1/4 bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 onion
- 2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients for stir-frying. Cut the boiled octopus into bite-sized pieces. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and onion, then slice them into strips. Finely chop the Korean chili peppers for a touch of heat. (Tip: Avoid cutting the octopus too small, as this can diminish its enjoyable chewy texture. Aim for a moderate size.)
Step 2
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic first and sauté until fragrant to infuse the oil. Then, add the sliced onion and bell pepper, and stir-fry until the vegetables are slightly translucent and still crisp. (Tip: Overcooking the vegetables will make them mushy. Stir-fry them briefly to maintain their delightful crunch.)
Step 3
Add the prepared boiled octopus and cooking wine to the pan, stir-frying together. The cooking wine helps to eliminate any potential fishy odors from the octopus and enhances its flavor. Next, add the oyster sauce and stir-fry quickly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Finally, drizzle in sesame oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and add a pinch of black pepper for added aroma and richness.
Step 4
Mix everything together and stir-fry briefly until perfectly combined for a delicious octopus and vegetable stir-fry! Serve it over warm rice for a delightful rice bowl, or enjoy it as a sophisticated appetizer with a cold beer. (Tip: A generous sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the visual appeal.)
