Nakji Bokkeum

Name: Nakji Bokkeum
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs frozen octopus (thawed), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 carrot, sliced; 1/2 onion, sliced; 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tsp sesame seeds; 2 green onions, chopped

Tender octopus stir-fried with vegetables in a slightly spicy gochujang sauce. A classic Korean restaurant dish.

35 minMediumServes 4160 cal/serving

KoreanDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

1.5 lbs frozen octopus (thawed), cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 carrot, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2

Add 1.5 lbs cut into bite-sized pieces frozen octopus (thawed) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it begins to curl.
3

Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4

Add 1/2 sliced carrot, 1/2 sliced onion, and 1/2 sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5

In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste), 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar.
6

Add the sauce mixture to the pan and toss everything together. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
7

Drizzle with 1 tbsp sesame oil and toss.
8

Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with 2 tsp sesame seeds and 2 chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Questions

Can I make Nakji Bokkeum gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 tbsp soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Nakji Bokkeum keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Nakji Bokkeum?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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