Tender and Flavorful Boiled Cuttlefish
Tender and Flavorful Boiled Cuttlefish
Weekend Delicacy Made Easy: Boiled Cuttlefish Recipe
This recipe features tender and chewy boiled cuttlefish, perfect as a refreshing appetizer or a delicious pairing with drinks. Its simple preparation highlights the natural flavor of fresh cuttlefish, complemented by a zesty and sweet gochujang dipping sauce. Ideal for a relaxed weekend meal with family and friends.
Boiled Cuttlefish Ingredients- 2 cuttlefish
- 1 handful of green onions (scallions)
- 1 handful of Korean parsley (minari)
- 3 Cheongyang chili peppers (or other hot peppers)
- 5 cloves garlic
Sweet and Tangy Gochujang Sauce- 5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I’ve found myself drinking less alcohol lately, but when I do, I prefer to enjoy it thoroughly with delicious food, even if it’s just a single glass. The cuttlefish dish I’m sharing today is perfect for those moments.
Step 2
I happened to have two fresh cuttlefish in my fridge, perfectly packaged and chilled. They looked great, so I decided to make them my special weekend treat.
Step 3
Let’s start preparing the cuttlefish. The mantle, or body, has a skin that needs removing. You’ll find it peels off in about three sections: one from the central top area and one from each side’s wing-like fins.
Step 4
After peeling off the skin, carefully remove the eyes and the beak-like mouth at the bottom. Then, rinse the cuttlefish thoroughly under cold running water.
Step 5
Here are the ingredients for our boiled cuttlefish: 2 cuttlefish, 1 handful of green onions, 1 handful of Korean parsley, 3 Cheongyang chili peppers for a spicy kick, and 5 cloves of garlic. These will make a wonderful dish.
Step 6
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, adding about 1 tablespoon of salt. Once boiling, carefully add the cuttlefish and blanch for just about 1 minute, stirring gently. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough.
Step 7
Here’s a pro tip for tender cuttlefish: don’t rinse it under cold water after blanching! Instead, place it on a colander to drain and cool naturally. This method helps retain its moisture, resulting in a wonderfully tender yet slightly chewy texture.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the classic gochujang dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with boiled seafood. In a bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of vinegar for tanginess, 1/2 cup of sugar for sweetness, and 1/2 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor. Mix everything well until smooth.
Step 9
Prepare the accompanying vegetables. Cut the green onions into 3-4 cm lengths. Trim and cut the Korean parsley similarly. Thinly slice the Cheongyang peppers and garlic cloves.
Step 10
Slice the cuttlefish mantle into pieces that are not too thin, about 1 cm thick. This thickness preserves a pleasant, slightly firm bite that’s quite addictive.
Step 11
The cuttlefish tentacles, sometimes called ‘short legs’, have a fantastic texture! Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Step 12
And there you have it – a beautifully presented plate of boiled cuttlefish! It looks simple, but it’s a truly delicious appetizer, perfect for kicking off a relaxing drink session.
Step 13
This sweet and tangy gochujang sauce is the perfect partner for the boiled cuttlefish. Dipping the chewy tentacles into the sauce is especially delightful.
Step 14
It’s not just the mantle and tentacles that are delicious; even the softer parts holding them together are incredibly tender and flavorful. This dish truly invites you to have another drink.
Step 15
Take a piece of the fresh cuttlefish, pair it with fragrant Korean parsley and green onion, a slice of garlic and a hint of spicy Cheongyang pepper. Dip it generously into the gochujang sauce. Take a sip of your drink, then enjoy the satisfying chew – ‘Wag-jak!’ The flavor is so good, it’ll make you hum with pleasure!
Step 16
While working hard and earning money is important, it’s equally crucial to allow ourselves moments of rest and relaxation. That’s precisely why weekends are so precious.
Step 17
Spending quality time with loved ones, sharing simple conversations, helps melt away fatigue and recharge our spirits. This is the weekend we’ve been waiting for. Enjoy a simple, delicious meal with a drink, relax, and recharge. ^^
