Chewy & Flavorful Spicy Stir-Fried Baby Octopus (Jjukkumi Bokkeum)
The Ultimate Recipe for Spicy Stir-Fried Baby Octopus: Mastering the Seasoning for Seasonal Delights!
Let’s make a deliciously spicy and sweet stir-fried baby octopus. Its irresistible flavor and satisfying texture are perfect for any meal!
Main Ingredients- 10 baby octopuses (Jjukkumi)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 handful of green onions, cut into large pieces
- 1-2 chili peppers (optional, sliced diagonally)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Hello everyone! Today, we’re going to make a delicious stir-fried baby octopus, which is especially flavorful during its season. Experience the fantastic combination of chewy baby octopus and a sweet and spicy sauce.
Step 2
First, let’s prepare the key to a delicious stir-fried baby octopus: the seasoning sauce. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix them well. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
Step 3
Next, let’s prepare the vegetables that will add texture to the stir-fry. Slice 1 onion thinly and 1/4 carrot into thin pieces. Adding these thinly sliced vegetables will allow them to absorb the sauce beautifully, making them even tastier.
Step 4
Now, add the prepared onion and carrot slices to the seasoning sauce. Gently toss them to coat the vegetables with the sauce. You don’t need to mix them for too long; just enough to coat.
Step 5
Add the 10 cleaned baby octopuses, the large-cut green onions (about a handful), and chili peppers (like Cheongyang or red chilies, sliced diagonally, if you like it spicy) to the mixture. Gently massage everything together so the sauce evenly coats the octopus and vegetables. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6
Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the marinated baby octopus and vegetables. Stir-fry quickly over high heat. It’s important to cook the baby octopus quickly to prevent it from becoming tough. Just before it’s fully cooked and the octopus turns bright red, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for added aroma, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to finish.