Nakji Bokkeum: Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus

Introduction

Nakji Bokkeum is a popular Korean dish known for its bold flavors and spicy kick. This dish features tender octopus stir-fried with an array of aromatic ingredients, creating a mouthwatering and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh octopus, cleaned and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Vegetable oil for cooking

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the chopped octopus with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sliced onions, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. Add the marinated octopus to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the octopus is cooked through.
5. Next, add the julienned carrot, sliced bell peppers, and green onions. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) over the dish for that signature spicy flavor.
7. Toss everything together until well combined and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
8. Remove the pan from heat and transfer the Nakji Bokkeum to a serving dish.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and a pop of color.
10. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy this delightful spicy stir-fried octopus!

FAQ about Nakji Bokkeum: Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus

What is Nakji Bokkeum?

Nakji Bokkeum is a popular Korean dish made with stir-fried octopus. The name “Nakji” refers to octopus, and “Bokkeum” means stir-fry in Korean. It is known for its spicy and savory flavors.

How is Nakji Bokkeum prepared?

To prepare Nakji Bokkeum, fresh octopus is typically marinated in a spicy sauce made with ingredients like gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar. The marinated octopus is then stir-fried with vegetables such as onion, carrot, and scallions.

What does Nakji Bokkeum taste like?

Nakji Bokkeum has a unique combination of flavors – the tender octopus has a slightly chewy texture, while the spicy sauce adds a kick of heat. The vegetables provide a hint of sweetness and crunch, making it a well-balanced and flavorful dish.

Is Nakji Bokkeum spicy?

Yes, Nakji Bokkeum is known for its spiciness due to the use of gochujang and other spicy seasonings in the marinade. The