Spicy and Chewy Stir-fried Baby Octopus (Baek Jong Won’s Recipe)
Irresistible Stir-fried Baby Octopus: Baek Jong Won’s Secret Seasoning Sauce
This recipe introduces how to make a delicious spicy and chewy stir-fried baby octopus, a seasonal delight! Using Baek Jong Won’s golden recipe, you can achieve a restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen. It’s perfect for a fun Friday night, a special weekend meal, a hearty dinner, or even a flavorful snack to accompany drinks. I’ll guide you through the simple preparation, the irresistible seasoning sauce, and essential cooking tips!
Baby Octopus and Vegetables- 600g fresh baby octopus
- 1/2 onion
- 2 Korean chili peppers (Cheongyang)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1/2 green onion stalk
- 1 handful of crown daisy (minari)
Baek Jong Won’s Special Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 5 Tbsp Soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 5 Tbsp Soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’re going to make a wonderfully spicy and chewy stir-fried baby octopus using fresh, seasonal ingredients. First, let me walk you through how to prepare the baby octopus. Once it’s prepped and marinated, it’s just a quick stir-fry to a delicious meal!
Step 2
It’s important to clean the part of the baby octopus where the ink sac is. Carefully cut off the head with scissors, then gently remove the innards and eyes from inside the head.
Step 3
Removing the beak from the octopus tentacles is key for a better texture. Turn the tentacles slightly inside out and press firmly in the center to pop out the beak.
Step 4
To remove any sliminess and impurities from the prepared octopus, we’ll use flour. Place the octopus in a bowl, add about 2 tablespoons of flour, and put on disposable gloves. Gently massage and knead the octopus to clean it. Keep kneading until the sticky mucus is removed – this is the crucial step!
Step 5
Rinse the flour-coated octopus thoroughly under cold running water several times until it’s squeaky clean. Drain it well in a colander, and you’ll have perfectly cleaned, firm baby octopus ready for cooking.
Step 6
Now, let’s make Baek Jong Won’s special seasoning sauce that will make this dish unforgettable. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp Gochujang, 3 Tbsp Gochugaru, 5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
Step 7
Pour all the prepared seasoning sauce over the cleaned baby octopus. Gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables – this saves time!
Step 8
Let’s get the vegetables ready. Cut the crown daisy into about 7cm lengths. Slice the onion into thin strips. Chop the green onion, red chili pepper, and Korean chili peppers diagonally. This adds visual appeal and ensures they cook evenly.
Step 9
Heat about 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over high heat. Add the marinated baby octopus and stir-fry quickly. Cooking over high heat initially is important!
Step 10
Stir-fry vigorously over high heat for just about 2 minutes. This prevents the octopus from becoming tough and keeps it juicy, ensuring the best flavor. Be careful not to overcook it.
Step 11
Now, add the prepared onion, crown daisy, Korean chili peppers, and red chili pepper to the pan. Toss everything together gently for about 1 minute until well combined with the sauce. The key is to stir-fry lightly and quickly after adding the vegetables so they retain some crispness.
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top for a glossy finish and nutty aroma. You can add 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil for extra flavor, but it’s also delicious without it.
Step 13
Try pairing the stir-fried baby octopus with ‘Flying Fish Roe Mayo Sauce’ for a fantastic combination! It’s super easy to make: just mix mayonnaise with plenty of flying fish roe. The delightful popping texture of the roe creates a fun contrast with the spicy octopus.
Step 14
For a delicious fried rice, add a bowl of cooked rice to the leftover sauce in the pan. Mix in plenty of chopped crown daisy and seaweed flakes, then stir-fry until well combined. Finish with a tablespoon of sesame oil for a perfect ending – your baby octopus fried rice is ready!
