Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus (Nakji Bokkeum)
Homemade Restaurant-Style Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus: A Guaranteed Family Favorite!
Discover how to make a delicious, spicy stir-fried octopus at home that’s perfect for entertaining guests or as a flavorful accompaniment to drinks. This recipe offers a vibrant kick and savory depth that will surely impress!
Main Ingredients for Stir-Fried Octopus- 5 medium-sized fresh octopus
- 1 handful bean sprouts (approx. 100g)
- 1/2 onion
- A small piece of carrot (approx. 1/4 piece)
- 1 green onion (scallion)
- 2 Korean chili peppers (cheongyang)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of grated ginger
- 5 perilla leaves
- 1 Tbsp soju (for tenderizing)
- A little cooking oil
Spicy Seasoning Sauce Ingredients- 1 Tbsp hot Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp regular Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cooking wine (cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp hot Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp regular Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cooking wine (cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the bean sprouts under cold water and remove any heads and tails for a cleaner appearance. In a pot, add half a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Add the bean sprouts and blanch for about 2 minutes until they are still crisp. Immediately drain them and rinse under cold water to keep them crunchy. Slice the onion into thin strips and the carrot into half-moon shapes. Slice the green onion and chili peppers diagonally. For the perilla leaves, roll them up tightly and slice them thinly into ribbons; this helps them mix evenly into the dish later.
Step 2
Lightly wet a pot with a little water and bring it to a boil. Rinse the fresh octopus under running water, then cut it into large, bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm). Once the water is boiling rapidly, add 1 tablespoon of soju, followed by the prepared octopus. As soon as the octopus curls up, remove it immediately from the boiling water and drain it in a colander. This quick blanching prevents the octopus from becoming tough and keeps it wonderfully tender.
Step 3
Do not rinse the blanched octopus under cold water! This step helps retain its natural flavor and nutrients.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the key to a delicious stir-fry: the seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine the hot chili powder, regular chili powder, gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, cooking wine, syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Using fresh minced garlic and ginger will greatly enhance the aroma and flavor.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little cooking oil. Add the sliced carrots and onions and sauté briefly until they just start to soften or become slightly translucent. Stir in the prepared seasoning sauce and mix quickly to combine with the vegetables.
Step 6
Increase the heat to high. Add the blanched octopus, sliced green onions, and chili peppers to the pan. Stir-fry rapidly, ensuring the octopus is evenly coated with the sauce. Cooking over high heat for a short time is crucial to maintain the octopus’s tender texture.
Step 7
Finally, add the crisp bean sprouts and thinly sliced perilla leaves. Toss everything together gently for just a moment. Avoid overcooking at this stage, as the bean sprouts and perilla leaves will lose their satisfying crunch.
Step 8
Continue stir-frying over high heat, tossing the ingredients until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce. This should only take about 1 to 2 more minutes.
Step 9
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and a pinch of black pepper. Give it a final quick stir to finish. The aroma of sesame oil adds a wonderful depth of flavor! Don’t discard the leftover sauce – it’s delicious! Mix it with finely chopped kimchi, rice, and seaweed flakes, adding a drop more sesame oil, for a fantastic fried rice. Enjoy this delightful dish for a special occasion or any day you crave a flavorful meal!
