Stir-fried Baby Octopus with Garlic Scapes: A Seasonal Delicacy
Spicy Stir-fried Baby Octopus with Tender Garlic Scapes
Baby octopus is in season, making it readily available at markets. Today, we’re making a stir-fry with tender garlic scapes. Because garlic scapes have low moisture content, this dish won’t be watery, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully to the ingredients for a delicious result. It’s a fantastic side dish that will revive your appetite!
Main Ingredients
- 600g fresh baby octopus
- 4 tender garlic scapes
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for cleaning octopus)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (for aromatic base)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Spicy & Sweet Sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp hot Korean chili powder
- 2 Tbsp ginger-infused rice wine (mirin or cheongju)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce for extra umami)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp hot Korean chili powder
- 2 Tbsp ginger-infused rice wine (mirin or cheongju)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce (or anchovy sauce for extra umami)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Properly cleaning the baby octopus is key! Make a shallow cut on the round head part and carefully remove the internal organs. Thorough cleaning ensures a clean, delicious flavor without any off-putting smells.
Step 2
To remove any impurities and achieve a tender-chewy texture, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the octopus and gently knead it. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water about three to four times. Then, place the octopus in a colander to drain excess water.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the cleaned baby octopus and blanch for just 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough. This step makes the octopus firmer and cleaner.
Step 4
Remove the blanched octopus from the hot water and immediately plunge it into a bowl of cold water to cool it down. This rapid cooling helps the octopus retain its firm, chewy texture. Once cooled, drain thoroughly in a colander.
Step 5
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce! Combine all the ingredients listed under ‘Spicy & Sweet Sauce’ in a bowl. Stir well with a spoon until all the components are thoroughly mixed. Ensuring the sauce is well-blended is important for even flavor distribution.
Step 6
Wash the fresh garlic scapes thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise, and then chop them into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. The goal is to keep them crisp and fresh-tasting.
Step 7
Cut the drained baby octopus into manageable pieces, about 2-3 tentacles per piece. While you’re at it, carefully remove the hard beak (located between the eyes) and the eyes from the octopus head for a cleaner eating experience.
Step 8
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry for about 10-20 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you just want to infuse the oil with its aroma.
Step 9
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped garlic scapes to the pan. Stir-fry over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic scapes to soften slightly while retaining their crispness.
Step 10
Now, add the prepared baby octopus and the mixed sauce to the pan. Stir everything together quickly over high heat.
Step 11
Continue stir-frying over high heat for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Cook quickly to prevent the octopus from becoming tough. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with fish sauce if needed for extra umami.
Step 12
Once everything is beautifully stir-fried, turn off the heat. Transfer the baby octopus and garlic scape stir-fry to a serving plate. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of nutty flavor and appealing presentation. Enjoy your delicious meal!
