Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus w/ Vegetables

낙지붂음

Nakji Bokum is a very spicy octopus dish enjoyed by many Koreans.  Octopus tentacles are cut into bite-sized pieces then pan stir-fried with spicy kochujang paste along with chili powder, sesame oil, red or green chili peppers, green onions, carrots and onions. Different variation of this dish do exist as the octopus can be substituted with squid for less chewy texture and taste.  Non-Koreans may find this dish too spicy even diluted with rice that accompanies this dish.

Mixture of nakji bokum and white rice is common to make nakji bokum bOp (octopus mixed rice).

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb octopus (squid can be used as a substitute)
• 1/2 onion, sliced to make o-rings
• 2 chilies or jalapenos, sliced on the bias
• 2 green onions, sliced on the bias
• 1/4 carrot, slice thinly
• 1 red or green peppers, sliced in long strips

Recipe Ingredient - Sauce

• 4 shiitake mushrooms, quartered (optional)
• 2 1/2 tbsp kochujang (chili paste)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp minced garlic

Cooking Directions

1. Wash and rinse octopus, cut the legs into 2”-3" lengths, open head and take out inside, quarter the head. Drain well.
2. Prepare and mix all ingredients for sauce
3. Combine final sauce with octopus and marinate for 10 minutes.
4. Heat pan on a medium high heat, cook for 8-10 minutes or until done.