I wasn’t quite ready for raw octopus, so I went for the cooked, spicy version! The octopus is served with a tasty variety of side dishes like kimchi (spicy fermented radish), rice, seaweed, eggs and lettuce. In Korea, meals are usually shared from one big plate, which I think is wonderful. Sharing food makes everyone feel closer, and it’s a fun way to enjoy a meal together!
When I first tasted the spicy octopus, I was shocked by how spicy it was! I’m used to spicy food, but Korean spice is on another level! I loved the chewy texture of the octopus, the heat from the spices, and the tenderness of the rice with seaweed. My friends showed me how to eat it with the different side dishes, which made it even more delicious!
One of the most exciting things about 쭈꾸미볶음 is how it’s cooked right at the table! In many Korean restaurants, there’s a small cooking pan on each table, and the server brings the marinated octopus to cook it in front of you. This gives everyone a chance to watch the food being made, which is really fun and makes the meal feel extra special.
I asked the server how they make this tasty dish, and it turns out the recipe is simple: octopus marinated in Korean red pepper paste (gochujang), red pepper powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little sugar. These ingredients give it a spicy, slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
Yes, it is! Spicy octopus is very popular in coastal cities like Busan, where seafood is fresh and delicious. I was lucky to try it in Busan, where the octopus was caught fresh from the sea that very morning.
