Perfectly Cleaned Octopus: The Secret to a Satisfyingly Chewy Texture
Beginner-Friendly Octopus Cleaning: A Complete Guide to Achieving a Tender Bite
Have you ever hesitated to prepare octopus at home because cleaning it seemed daunting? Let’s debunk the myth that octopus cleaning is messy and complicated! I’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to clean octopus thoroughly and achieve a wonderfully crisp texture. Follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying delicious, chewy octopus dishes in no time.
Essential Ingredients
- 3 fresh octopus
- 1 handful of coarse salt (for cleaning)
- 1 handful of flour (for cleaning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, use scissors or a knife to make a small cut near where the tentacles meet the head. Carefully remove the innards through this opening. You can set aside the octopus roe attached to the innards if you wish, but be very careful not to burst the black ink sac – it can make a mess! If you’re new to cleaning, it’s often best to discard the innards and ink sac entirely.
Step 2
Turn the octopus head inside out to better access the internal parts.
Step 3
Using scissors, carefully cut out the white eyes located inside the turned-out head. This part can be a bit tricky at first, but removing it cleanly ensures a better eating experience.
Step 4
Next, remove the beak-like mouth from the underside of the octopus tentacles. You can usually push it out easily with your fingers or by gently pressing. Removing this tough part makes the tentacles more pleasant to eat.
Step 5
Now it’s time for the crucial cleaning stage to ensure a firm texture. Place the octopus in a bowl and add a handful of coarse salt and a handful of flour.
Step 6
Grip the octopus firmly with your hands and rub it vigorously, back and forth. This ‘scrubbing’ action, much like washing clothes, effectively removes the slimy coating and any remaining impurities.
Step 7
Pay special attention to the suckers on the octopus tentacles. They are prone to trapping sand and grit. Use your fingers to scrub them thoroughly, pulling and rubbing to dislodge any debris. If you skip this step, you might encounter an unpleasant gritty texture when you eat the octopus – and nobody wants that!
Step 8
After cleaning with flour and salt, rinse the octopus thoroughly under cold running water. Continue rinsing until all the foam and residue are gone.
Step 9
Your octopus should now look plump, firm, and slightly glossy – a sign that it’s perfectly prepared for cooking.
Step 10
If your cleaned octopus feels ‘crisp’ or makes a squeaky sound when you touch it, you’ve done it right! I cleaned this octopus today to make Octopus and Pork Belly Stir-fry (Nak-sam Bulgogi). I’ll be sharing the recipe for that delicious dish soon!
