Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the octopus pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Add the marinated octopus and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it starts to turn opaque.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and carrot to the pan and continue stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the dish and give it a final toss.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Octopus — Make sure to clean the octopus thoroughly before cooking to remove any residual sand or debris.
• Gochujang — Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a more intense nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a small amount of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the marinade.
• For a touch of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the marinade.
• Serve the Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus with steamed rice and a side of kimchi for a complete Korean meal.
• If octopus is not readily available, you can substitute it with squid or shrimp.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and tenderness of the octopus. Cook until it is just tender and not overcooked.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus hot as a main dish, accompanied by steamed rice and a side of kimchi. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful stir-fried octopus and vegetables on a large serving platter, allowing the vibrant colors to shine through. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an appealing finishing touch.