Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus
Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus
The Ultimate Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus Recipe: Super Simple & Delicious!
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this incredibly spicy stir-fried octopus! Unlike typical versions, this recipe generously uses chili powder and minced garlic for an intensely savory and spicy kick. As Chef Kim Soo-mi famously put it, ‘Your tongue should be tingling!’ The secret to its tender texture is a quick sear over high heat, preserving the octopus’s plump, juicy bite. This dish, packed with a punchy, addictive sauce, is sure to become a star main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Main Ingredients- 3 fresh octopuses
- 1 onion
- 1/3 carrot
- 1 red chili pepper (optional)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional)
- 10 whole garlic cloves
Spicy Sauce- 8 Tbsp chili powder
- 6 Tbsp minced garlic (generous amount!)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp water
- 8 Tbsp chili powder
- 6 Tbsp minced garlic (generous amount!)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly clean the fresh octopuses by rubbing them with coarse salt or flour. This helps remove any sliminess and impurities. Rinse them well under cold water until clean.
Step 2
To achieve a wonderfully tender texture, bring a pot of water to a boil. Quickly dip the cleaned octopus into the boiling water for exactly 3 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make the octopus tough.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, rinse the octopus under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces (about 1-1.5 inches) and place them in a bowl.
Step 4
In a large bowl with the octopus, add the thinly sliced onion (1), julienned carrot (1/3), chopped red chili (1), chopped Korean green chili (1-2, adjust for spice preference), and the generous 6 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the flavor base! Add 4 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 0.5 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of water to the bowl. Gently mix everything together until the octopus and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
Step 6
For an even bolder spicy flavor and vibrant color, add an additional 4 tablespoons of chili powder. Mix it in well. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Step 7
This step is optional! Feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have. I happened to have some king oyster mushrooms, so I sliced and added them, which gave the dish a lovely extra flavor. But don’t worry if you don’t have any!
Step 8
Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add all the marinated octopus and vegetable mixture. Also, toss in the 10 whole garlic cloves.
Step 9
This is the crucial part: stir-fry everything quickly over high heat, constantly moving the ingredients to prevent burning. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more water. If it tastes bland, add another 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce to adjust the seasoning. Aim for a well-balanced flavor.
Step 10
I personally prefer a moister stir-fry, so I added about half a cup of water and an extra 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. This resulted in a perfectly coated octopus with just the right amount of seasoning – absolutely delicious!
Step 11
Remember, octopus can become tough if overcooked. Stir-fry for no more than 10 minutes over high heat, then immediately turn off the heat to maintain its tender, succulent texture.
Step 12
Just before you finish, add some sliced green onions (scallions) to the pan and give it a quick toss. This adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
Step 13
Turn off the heat completely. Finally, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a glossy finish. Your incredibly spicy and flavorful stir-fried octopus is now ready to be enjoyed!
