Spicy & Sweet Stir-Fried Octopus (Nakji Bokkeum) – The Golden Recipe
The Ultimate Nakji Bokkeum Recipe: Perfect Every Time!
Enjoy a delicious and foolproof Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus) with this easy-to-follow recipe. It’s packed with flavor and sure to be a hit!
Main Ingredients
- 400g fresh octopus
- 1 onion
- A small piece of carrot
- 1 stalk of green onion (scallion)
- 1 Korean red chili pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
Golden Sauce Mix
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh octopus. Turn the head inside out and carefully remove the innards and the eyes. In a bowl, place the octopus and generously sprinkle with flour. Knead vigorously (called ‘barak-barak’ in Korean) to effectively remove any sliminess and impurities. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water until it feels clean and firm. Cut the octopus into bite-sized pieces, about 5cm in length.
Step 2
Heat a wide pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and sauté 2 tablespoons of minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Once the garlic releases its aroma, add the prepared octopus. Stir-fry over high heat for a very short time. Cooking octopus quickly over high heat prevents it from becoming tough and helps maintain its tender, chewy texture.
Step 3
As the octopus begins to cook, add the prepared vegetables. Toss in 1 sliced onion, a small piece of sliced carrot, 1 green onion cut diagonally, and 1 chopped Korean red chili pepper (if using). Stir-fry with the octopus to add color and depth of flavor.
Step 4
Now for the flavor powerhouse: the sauce! In a separate small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Add this prepared sauce mixture to the pan, distributing it evenly over the ingredients.
Step 5
Keep the heat on high and quickly stir-fry everything until the sauce evenly coats the octopus and vegetables. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the sauce melds well. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the octopus tough.
Step 6
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for extra aroma and flavor, then turn off the heat. Remember, cooking octopus quickly over high heat is key to preventing excess liquid from forming and maintaining that wonderfully chewy texture!
Step 7
The finished Nakji Bokkeum will have a beautiful glossy sheen and an enticing spicy aroma that whets the appetite. The chewy and tender texture of the octopus is perfectly preserved, making each bite a delight. Serve it over a bowl of hot rice for a delicious octopus rice bowl, or wrap it in fresh lettuce leaves for a refreshing ssam. Enjoy this impressive and satisfying meal that your whole family will love!
