Chewy and Tender Grilled Octopus Skewers (Nakji Horong Gui)
Delicious Grilled Octopus Skewers Recipe
Octopus is known for its benefits in boosting stamina and preventing dementia. This recipe highlights the chewy texture of octopus with a delicious sweet and spicy glaze, making it a perfect snack with drinks or a delightful side dish for any meal. We ended up chopping it finely with scissors to enjoy it even more!
Main Ingredients
- 2 octopus (medium-sized)
- 2 pairs of wooden skewers
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Sweet & Spicy Glaze
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp oligo syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deul-gireum)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 stalk green onion, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp oligo syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deul-gireum)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 stalk green onion, finely chopped
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the fresh octopus thoroughly under running water. Place the octopus in a bowl and add about 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Knead and rub the octopus with the flour to clean it. This step removes any sliminess and impurities, resulting in a cleaner and chewier texture. After rinsing, remove the innards and eyes from the head and pat dry.
Step 2
Now, let’s shape the octopus beautifully. Take one pair of wooden skewers without separating them. Place the head of the octopus over the tip of the skewers and then twist and wind it down the skewer. For the tentacles, gently separate the end of the skewer and tuck the tentacles in, layering them to secure the shape. This technique ensures the octopus stays in a nice roll shape while cooking.
Step 3
Let’s make the star of our dish: the glaze! In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp oligo syrup (you can adjust the sweetness to your preference), 1 Tbsp perilla oil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and the finely chopped green onion. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until you have a glossy, well-combined glaze.
Step 4
It’s time to grill the octopus to perfection! Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the prepared octopus skewers in the pan and let them cook, turning them gently, until they are about halfway cooked and have changed color. Once partially cooked, generously brush the octopus all over with the prepared glaze. While it’s cooking, continuously spoon the sauce from the bottom of the pan over the octopus. This basting method ensures the glaze adheres well and infuses the octopus with flavor without burning. Use all the glaze you prepared.
Step 5
Once the octopus is beautifully browned and the glaze has thickened slightly, it’s ready! Arrange the grilled octopus skewers attractively on a serving plate. Finish by sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds over the top for an extra nutty aroma and visual appeal. Enjoy your perfectly chewy, sweet, and spicy grilled octopus skewers while they’re warm!
