Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Octopus (Nakji Bokkeum) – Perfect Recipe for Beginners!
Moist and Tender Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus: The Secret to Avoiding Watery Sauce!
Craving delicious, spicy, and sweet stir-fried octopus (Nakji Bokkeum) at home? If you’ve ever been disappointed by a bland or tough dish, follow this recipe! With a special secret, anyone can easily make a delicious Nakji Bokkeum. It’s a true rice-lover’s delight! ^^
Main Ingredients- 5-6 fresh octopus
- 1-2 Cheongyang chili peppers for spiciness
- 1 large leek for sweetness
- 1/2 Tbsp vinegar to remove the characteristic seafood smell
- 1/2 Tbsp salt for basic seasoning
Golden Sauce Ingredients- 4 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for spiciness
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for savory flavor
- 1 Tbsp sugar for sweetness
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup for gloss and tenderness
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic for rich flavor
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine) to remove gamey smells and enhance flavor
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds for nutty aroma
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil for fragrant finish
- A pinch of black pepper
Octopus Preparation Ingredients (Cleanliness & Tenderness)- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour to remove slime
- 1 Tbsp salt for cleaning and sanitizing
- A little water for rinsing
- 4 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for spiciness
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for savory flavor
- 1 Tbsp sugar for sweetness
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup for gloss and tenderness
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic for rich flavor
- 2 Tbsp mirin (rice wine) to remove gamey smells and enhance flavor
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds for nutty aroma
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil for fragrant finish
- A pinch of black pepper
Octopus Preparation Ingredients (Cleanliness & Tenderness)- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour to remove slime
- 1 Tbsp salt for cleaning and sanitizing
- A little water for rinsing
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to clean the octopus thoroughly. Place the octopus in a bowl and add 1/3 cup of flour, 1 Tbsp of salt, and a little water. Gently rub the octopus with your hands as if you’re washing laundry. This process will effectively remove the sticky slime, making the octopus much tender and free from any fishy odor.
Step 2
Next, turn the octopus head inside out and carefully remove the internal organs. Then, press gently around the eyes and mouth to remove the hard parts. Taking care of these details will result in a more enjoyable stir-fried octopus.
Step 3
Rinse the thoroughly cleaned octopus under running water several times to ensure all remaining debris and slime are completely washed away. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear for the best results.
Step 4
Now, let’s briefly blanch the octopus. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then add 1/2 Tbsp of vinegar and 1/2 Tbsp of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the octopus and blanch for only about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it can make the octopus tough. Immediately remove the blanched octopus and rinse it under cold water, then drain it completely to remove excess moisture. This step is key to preventing a watery sauce in your stir-fry.
Step 5
While the octopus is blanching, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a bowl, combine 4 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp mirin, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix all the sauce ingredients well with a spoon until smooth and fully combined. This sauce is what will make your Nakji Bokkeum truly amazing!
Step 6
Add the prepared sauce to a pan over low heat and stir-fry it gently. Be careful not to burn the sauce, and allow it to simmer subtly to develop its flavors. This gentle cooking process deepens the sauce’s richness.
Step 7
Once the sauce is lightly fried, add the blanched and drained octopus to the pan. Stir-fry quickly over high heat. This high-heat, quick cooking method ensures the octopus remains tender and chewy, not tough. Ensure the sauce coats the octopus evenly as you stir-fry.
Step 8
Finally, add the sliced leek and chopped Cheongyang chili peppers. Stir-fry everything together for another minute until well combined. Your delicious spicy and sweet stir-fried octopus is ready! It’s fantastic served over a bowl of warm rice. Enjoy your perfectly tender and flavorful Nakji Bokkeum!
