Chewy and Spicy Stir-Fried Baby Octopus Recipe
Perfect for When You’ve Lost Your Appetite! How to Make Spicy, Sweet, and Chewy Stir-Fried Baby Octopus
Introducing a recipe for spicy, sweet, and savory stir-fried baby octopus made with fresh baby octopus caught by my father-in-law. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for rice or as a delicious snack with drinks, using leftover baby octopus from shabu-shabu. Made with fresh ingredients and simple seasonings, anyone can easily create this dish.
Main Ingredients- Baby Octopus 400g
- Cheongyang Peppers 2-3
- Scallions or Green Onions 1/2 stalk
- Onion 1/2
- Napa Cabbage 1/4 head
Spicy Sauce- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 4 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Corn Syrup 4 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp
- Cheongju (rice wine) or Mirin 2 Tbsp
- Black Pepper to taste
- Sesame Seeds for garnish
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 4 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 2 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Corn Syrup 4 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 Tbsp
- Minced Garlic 2 Tbsp
- Cheongju (rice wine) or Mirin 2 Tbsp
- Black Pepper to taste
- Sesame Seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables. Slice the Cheongyang peppers and scallions diagonally. Cut the onion and napa cabbage into thick strips. (Tip: If you have carrots, slicing them into thick strips and adding them will enhance the color and texture of the dish.)
Step 2
Properly cleaning the baby octopus is key. Turn the head inside out and thoroughly remove the innards. Place the baby octopus in a bowl, add 2-3 tablespoons of salt and flour, and rub them together vigorously. This process removes the slippery mucus and impurities, and also eliminates any fishy odor. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and drain. (Tip: You can prepare and stir-fry octopus using the same method.)
Step 3
Cut the cleaned baby octopus into bite-sized pieces. Slice the head once, and cut the body in half. Remember that baby octopus shrinks when cooked, so avoid cutting them too small.
Step 4
Place the cut baby octopus in a sieve for a moment to drain any excess water. This step helps prevent the stir-fry from becoming too watery.
Step 5
In a large bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients except for the sesame seeds: gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, corn syrup, sugar, minced garlic, cheongju, and black pepper. Mix them well to create a delicious sauce. (Tip: Adjust the amounts of soy sauce, corn syrup, and sugar to suit your personal preference for sweetness and saltiness.)
Step 6
Add the drained baby octopus to the prepared sauce and gently mix by hand, ensuring the sauce coats evenly. (Tip: If you have time, let the coated baby octopus marinate for 10-20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate better. If you’re short on time, you can stir-fry it immediately.)
Step 7
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry until they become translucent and fragrant. The sweetness from the onions will add to the overall savory flavor.
Step 8
Once the onions are somewhat cooked, add the scallions and stir-fry briefly. When you start to smell the aromatic scallions, add the thickly sliced napa cabbage. Stir-fry the napa cabbage only lightly to maintain its crisp texture; overcooking will make it mushy.
Step 9
Continue to stir and cook the vegetables. Once they begin to soften slightly, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 10
When the vegetables have softened slightly, add the marinated baby octopus to the pan. (Tip: It’s best to cook only the amount you plan to eat at once. Overcooked baby octopus can become tough, so be mindful of the cooking time.) Once the baby octopus is added, turn the heat to high and stir-fry quickly. Stir-frying over high heat for a short time is the secret to achieving a chewy yet tender texture without making the baby octopus rubbery.
Step 11
Don’t overcook the baby octopus! The stir-fry is done when the baby octopus curls up and changes color. Immediately turn off the heat. Cooking quickly over high heat is the key to its chewy texture. (Tip: You can add a drizzle of sesame oil just before turning off the heat for an extra nutty aroma.)
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a perfectly completed spicy stir-fried baby octopus dish! (*Baby octopus is rich in taurine, which is beneficial for vision and muscle health, and is also effective for relieving fatigue. It also contains DHA, which is good for brain development in growing children, thus aiding in memory improvement and potentially preventing dementia.)
