Tender & Chewy Braised Octopus Heads in Soy Sauce
Savory Braised Octopus Heads with Soy Sauce Glaze
Experience a unique culinary delight with these braised octopus heads, cooked until tender and chewy in a rich, savory soy sauce glaze. Perfect as a side dish with rice or as a delectable appetizer with drinks!
Main Ingredients
- 400g pre-cooked octopus heads
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
Braising Sauce
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy type)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- Water, as needed (enough to partially cover octopus)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy type)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- Water, as needed (enough to partially cover octopus)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star of this dish: the pre-cooked octopus heads. Using ones that are already cleaned will save you some preparation time.
Step 2
Thinly slice the whole garlic cloves into rounds. Slice the Korean green chilies diagonally, removing the stems. If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds from the chilies.
Step 3
Cut the octopus heads into bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as this can reduce the satisfying chewy texture.
Step 4
Place the cut octopus heads into a pot. Add enough water to partially submerge the octopus. Then, add 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce, and 1 Tbsp sugar to create the base of the braising liquid. Set the heat to medium.
Step 5
Once the sauce begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, allowing the flavors to infuse into the octopus. Continue simmering until the liquid has reduced by about half. Stir the octopus occasionally.
Step 6
When the sauce has thickened to about half its original volume, stir in 1 Tbsp of corn syrup (or rice syrup) for a glossy finish. Add the sliced green chilies and garlic slices, mixing well. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the aromatics to meld with the octopus.
Step 7
Once the sauce has almost completely reduced and coats the octopus beautifully, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and give it a quick stir. Transfer to a serving dish to complete your delicious braised octopus heads!
