American Chinese Style Octopus Rice

Ingredients

In the original Portuguese dish, arroz de polvo, the octopus is typically cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and white wine, resulting in a rich and tangy flavor profile. However, in this American Chinese adaptation, we replace the tomatoes and white wine with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to infuse the dish with the bold and aromatic flavors of Chinese cuisine. The addition of green onions and sesame seeds as garnish adds a touch of freshness and texture to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Arroz de polvo, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces 2 pounds (900g) octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) 4 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the octopus pieces to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil and flavors.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the octopus is tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. 7.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer the American Chinese Style Octopus Rice to a serving dish.
8. 8.
   Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Octopus — Make sure to clean the octopus thoroughly before cooking. Remove the beak and any remaining innards. Tenderize the octopus by freezing it overnight or by using a meat mallet to break down the fibers.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the dish.
• For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the rice before serving.
• If you can't find octopus, you can substitute it with squid or shrimp for a similar texture and taste.
• To enhance the umami flavor, you can add a splash of oyster sauce to the dish.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

American Chinese Style Octopus Rice is best served hot as a main course. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of this dish, serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an appealing visual touch.