Nakji Bokkeum
Nakji Bokkeum: A Spicy Korean Octopus Stir-Fry Recipe
Nakji Bokkeum is a popular Korean dish that features tender pieces of octopus stir-fried with a spicy sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors. In this recipe, we will show you how to make Nakji Bokkeum at home with easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients (serves 2-3):
- 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking tips:
- To tenderize the octopus, you can either blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds or massage it with salt for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
- Make sure to cook the octopus quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough and rubbery.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice tolerance.
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and sesame seeds to make the sauce.
2. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add vegetable oil.
3. Add onion, carrot, and red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add garlic and green onions and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
5. Add the octopus and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
6. Pour the sauce over the octopus and vegetables and stir-fry for another minute until everything is coated in the sauce.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Appearance and taste:
Nakji Bokkeum is a vibrant and colorful dish with tender pieces of octopus and crunchy vegetables coated in a spicy and savory sauce. The dish has a bold and complex flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness. The sesame oil and seeds add a nutty aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients. Overall, Nakji Bokkeum is a delicious and satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more.
Type of dish: Spicy stir-fry
Main ingredients: Octopus, gochujang, vegetables
