Chewy, Sweet & Spicy Grilled Whole Octopus Skewers (Nakji Horong Gui)
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Discover how to make delicious ‘Nakji Horong Gui’ (Grilled Whole Octopus Skewers) at home using fresh, whole octopus! This dish features the delightful chewy texture of octopus coated in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Reminiscent of octopus dishes from the Mu’an region, this recipe is perfect for a unique appetizer, a fun camping meal, or a special home party. The process involves cleaning the whole octopus without cutting off its head, skewering it onto wooden chopsticks, rolling it up, and then grilling it with a flavorful sauce. Enjoy the irresistible spicy kick and the wonderfully tender yet chewy texture of the octopus.
Ingredients- 3 whole octopuses, cleaned (fresh or thawed)
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp Rice syrup or corn syrup
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Beef broth powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If using frozen octopus, ensure it is fully thawed. Prepare the cleaned whole octopus, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water, and pat it dry. Make sure to remove the innards but crucially, do not cut off the octopus’s head. Next, prepare wooden chopsticks. Using wooden chopsticks is much more convenient and stable for making octopus skewers compared to regular skewers. Do not split the chopsticks in half.
Step 2
Now it’s time to skewer the octopus. Carefully insert a wooden chopstick into the upper part of the octopus head (where the innards were removed, but the head itself is intact). Gently roll the octopus body around the chopstick, creating a spiral shape. To secure it, tuck the ends of the octopus tentacles into the sides of the wooden chopstick. This prevents the octopus from unraveling while cooking.
Step 3
Whole octopuses can be quite large. If it’s difficult to skewer one octopus onto a single chopstick, you can connect two chopsticks together to create a longer skewer. It’s important to secure the octopus firmly to the chopsticks to maintain its shape.
Step 4
Brush the pre-made sauce evenly over the octopus skewers. Ensure the sauce coats every part of the octopus, inside and out. After applying the sauce, cover the skewers with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5
We will now cook the marinated octopus skewers using an air fryer. Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange the octopus skewers neatly. Place them in a preheated air fryer set to 160°C (320°F) and cook for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the octopus, flip them over, and cook for another 5 minutes until they are nicely browned on both sides.
Step 6
Once the octopus skewers are beautifully grilled on both sides, arrange them on a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with finely chopped chili peppers for added color and flavor. The traditional way to eat Nakji Horong Gui is to hold the rolled-up end and gently unroll it as you eat. Experience the explosion of spicy, chewy, and tender flavors from the whole octopus! This dish is truly a delightful specialty that will have you craving more with its subtle, lingering heat.
