Chewy Octopus Bulgogi
How to Make Octopus Bulgogi – The Perfect Bulgogi Sauce Recipe
Enjoy a richer and more special meal by adding fresh octopus to bulgogi, a beloved Korean comfort food. Experience a chewy texture and savory flavor that’s unlike any regular beef bulgogi. Inspired by the sight of fresh octopus at the market! Even with frozen octopus, you can create a fantastic restaurant-style dish at home by adding the irresistible spicy-sweet stir-fried octopus charm to tender beef bulgogi. It’s a guaranteed rice thief!
Main Ingredients- 500g Beef (for Bulgogi)
- 6 Octopuses
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (for finishing)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (for finishing)
Special Bulgogi Sauce- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Fish Sauce
- 2.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Fish Sauce
- 2.5 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s prepare the fresh octopus for stir-frying. Cut off the head with scissors, then remove the beak. Turn the body inside out to clean out the innards thoroughly. Rinse well and set aside.
Step 2
Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the prepared octopus and gently knead it. The flour helps to absorb impurities, making the octopus cleaner and chewier. Rinse thoroughly, drain, and set aside.
Step 3
Use paper towels to carefully pat and remove any blood from the beef for bulgogi. Removing the blood is key to preventing any gamey flavors and ensuring a clean taste.
Step 4
Now, let’s start marinating the beef. In a bowl, add 2.5 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup. Adding the sugar and syrup first at this stage helps tenderize the beef.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, then add the blood-removed beef and gently mix. Bulgogi beef is often lean, so pre-tenderizing with sugar beforehand results in a much softer texture. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 6
While the beef is marinating, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the green onion diagonally and julienne the onion. These will add color and texture to the dish.
Step 7
It’s time to add the main sauce ingredients to the marinated beef. Add 5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper as desired.
Step 8
Gently mix everything again to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed. Make sure the marinade penetrates the meat thoroughly.
Step 9
Prepare a deep frying pan or a wok and place it on the stove. Heat over high heat, then add the marinated beef, sliced green onions, and julienned onions, and begin to stir-fry.
Step 10
The beef is thin and cooks quickly. While stir-frying, use chopsticks and a spoon to gently separate any clumps of beef. Continue to cook until the beef changes color from bright red to a delicious brown.
Step 11
When the beef is almost cooked, add the prepared octopus to the pan and stir-fry together. After adding the octopus, add 1 tablespoon of anchovy fish sauce for an extra boost of umami. It’s important not to overcook the octopus to keep it tender.
Step 12
Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for a glossy finish and nutty aroma. Your delicious Octopus Bulgogi is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
