Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Octopus Recipe
Beat the Heat with Flavorful Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Octopus!
Feeling too hot to cook these days? Tired of eating cold dishes all the time? Let’s spice things up with this delicious stir-fried octopus that will awaken your appetite! It’s perfect for mixing into rice for a satisfying meal. With a pack of convenient frozen octopus, you can create a delightful dish in no time.
Main Ingredients- 500g frozen octopus
- 1 large scallion (green onion)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (for preparation and to remove odor)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Spicy and Sweet Stir-fry Sauce- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Check the actual weight of the frozen octopus after thawing, as the package weight might differ. While pre-cleaned octopus is convenient, if you’re preparing it yourself, generously use flour and knead vigorously. Rinse it 2-3 times thoroughly to ensure it’s clean and free of any fishy smell. (Proper cleaning is the first step to a delicious dish!)
Step 2
Bring water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of cooking wine. Once boiling, add the prepared octopus and blanch for 30 to 35 seconds. Avoid overcooking, as it can become tough. Immediately rinse the blanched octopus under cold water to maintain its firm and chewy texture.
Step 3
To accommodate those who prefer less spice, we’re using 1 large scallion and 1/2 an onion. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add red or green chili peppers. Adjusting the ingredients allows for a more customized flavor profile.
Step 4
Slice the onion thinly and cut the scallion diagonally. Cutting the vegetables into appropriate sizes will help them meld beautifully with the octopus during stir-frying, making the dish more appealing.
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, salt, sugar, gochujang, oligosaccharide, cooking wine, and minced garlic. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. (Using xylitol instead of sugar results in a healthier sauce with the same sweetness!)
Step 6
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and scallions and sauté until they become translucent. It’s important to cook them until their natural sweetness is released and their fragrance intensifies.
Step 7
Once the vegetables are translucent, add all the prepared spicy and sweet stir-fry sauce to the pan.
Step 8
Stir the sauce briefly with the vegetables to combine and allow the flavors to meld. Once the sauce begins to simmer, proceed to the next step.
Step 9
Finally, add the blanched octopus to the pan. Stir-fry quickly over high heat for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until the octopus is coated with the sauce. This short cooking time ensures the octopus remains tender and doesn’t become rubbery.
Step 10
Transfer the delicious stir-fried octopus to a serving plate. Drizzle with a little sesame oil for added aroma and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Serve with warm rice topped with shredded seaweed (gim), or enjoy it with a refreshing side of kimchi. This dish is a perfect way to beat the summer heat!
