Super Simple Braised Octopus
Nutritious! Super Simple Braised Octopus & Butter Rice Recipe by Chef Kim Soo-mi
Learn how to make braised octopus easily at home with this recipe inspired by Chef Kim Soo-mi from the popular TV cooking show ‘Sumi’s Side Dishes’. This is a super simple recipe that anyone can follow. We’ll also show you how to turn leftover braised octopus sauce into a fantastic braised octopus butter rice! Elevate your meal beyond ordinary days.
Main Ingredients
- 4-5 pieces pre-cooked octopus (tentacles mainly)
- 25 Korean green chili peppers (Ggwari Gochu)
- 5 whole garlic cloves
Braised Octopus Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Yangjo Ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or plum syrup)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- A little sesame oil
- A little toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (Yangjo Ganjang)
- 3 Tbsp water
- 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or plum syrup)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- A little sesame oil
- A little toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, slice the tentacles of the pre-cooked octopus diagonally into about 1-2 cm pieces. This size makes it easier for the sauce to penetrate and for eating.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced octopus tentacles and stir-fry until they become lightly browned. This step enhances the octopus’s savory flavor.
Step 3
Once the octopus is lightly fried, add the 5 whole garlic cloves and stir-fry until fragrant. The garlic aroma will blend with the octopus, adding depth to the flavor.
Step 4
Now, add the basic seasoning ingredients to the pan: 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of plum extract for sweetness and aroma.
Step 5
Add 2/3 tablespoon of minced garlic to further enhance the pungent taste and aroma of garlic. Stir to combine the ingredients well.
Step 6
Add the 25 prepared Korean green chili peppers and stir-fry them with the octopus. The chili peppers will add a mild spiciness and a crisp texture, also making the dish visually appealing.
Step 7
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of corn syrup for glossiness and sweetness, and stir-fry until all ingredients are well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning; if it’s not salty enough, add a little more soy sauce to suit your preference.
Step 8
Turn off the heat, drizzle in a little sesame oil for a nutty aroma, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a delicious finishing touch. Your braised octopus is ready!
Step 9
If you’d like to make the braised octopus butter rice as well, add your cooked rice and a knob of butter to the same pan with the remaining braised octopus sauce. Stir-fry until well combined. The rich butter aroma will seep into the rice grains, creating a fantastic flavor.
Step 10
Lastly, chop the octopus and Korean green chili peppers from the braised octopus into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the stir-fried rice and mix thoroughly. In an instant, you’ll have a wonderful braised octopus butter rice! Enjoy this simple yet special meal.
