How to Boil Octopus Perfectly: Tender & Delicious
Simple Octopus Preparation and Boiling Method for a Delicious Meal
Octopus, a delicacy often only enjoyed on special occasions, can now be a delightful part of your home cooking! I recently got my hands on some fresh Yeosu stone octopus, which is in season and incredibly affordable. The taste and texture are miles apart from the imported octopus you find at supermarkets. The preparation is surprisingly simple, even easier than squid or small octopus. Make sure to try this delicious Yeosu stone octopus before its season ends!
Boiling Octopus Ingredients- 1 Stone Octopus
- 1/2 cup Coarse Salt
- 4 Tbsp Flour
Dipping Sauce- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sea Salt
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Red Pepper Paste)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sea Salt
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Red Pepper Paste)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Octopus Preparation: First, thoroughly clean the octopus by rubbing it with the coarse salt. This helps remove any sliminess and unpleasant odors. Next, add the flour and rub the octopus again, paying special attention to the suction cups to remove any debris. Finally, rinse the octopus several times under cold running water until it’s completely clean.
Step 2
Boiling Method for Odor-Free Octopus: The secret ingredient for boiling octopus without any fishy smell is ‘radish’! The enzymes in radish help to retain the octopus’s natural sweetness during boiling, making it more delicious. You can use just radish, or for extra assurance against any lingering odor, add a splash of soju (Korean rice wine) or a piece of ginger. Fill a pot with water, add the radish (and optionally, soju or ginger), and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully place the prepared octopus into the pot. Cook over high heat for just 5 minutes, turning it over halfway through. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make the octopus tough. The cooking time might need slight adjustment depending on the size of the octopus. You’ll notice the octopus transforming from a pale color to a beautiful vibrant red!
Step 3
Finishing Touch: After boiling, drain the octopus and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This step will make the octopus even more firm, tender, and wonderfully chewy. Serve your perfectly boiled octopus with the prepared sesame oil dipping sauce or gochujang for a delightful culinary experience.
