Spicy Octopus Stir-Fry

Ingredients

In this Mauritian adaptation, we incorporate Mauritian spices such as chili, ginger, garlic, and turmeric to infuse the dish with a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, we adjust the cooking technique to stir-frying, which adds a delightful charred texture to the octopus. We alse have the original recipe for Nakji bokkeum, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) octopus, cleaned and sliced 500g (1.1 lb) octopus, cleaned and sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and red chili to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the grated ginger and turmeric powder to the pan. Stir-fry for a minute to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced octopus to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until it turns opaque and tender.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour the sauce over the octopus and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Octopus — Ensure the octopus is thoroughly cleaned before slicing. To tenderize the octopus, you can blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the stir-fry.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of chili used in the recipe.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the stir-fry for added color and texture.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste preference.
• Serve the dish with a side of pickled vegetables to balance the spiciness.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Octopus Stir-Fry hot with steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stir-fried octopus on a platter, garnish with cilantro, and serve alongside a mound of steamed rice or noodles. For an elegant touch, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.