This delicious Japanese-inspired dish features tender octopus (tako) cooked in a flavorful, spicy sauce and served with seasoned sushi rice balls. The combination of chewy octopus, savory sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice makes it a dish you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients:
For the Octopus:
- 300g cooked octopus (tako), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
For the Sushi Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain rice)
- 2 ½ cups water
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- Nori (seaweed sheets), cut into thin strips or small pieces
Optional Add-ins:
- Sliced cucumber or stir-fried vegetables (like bell pepper, carrot, or onion)
Preparation:
- Prepare the sushi rice:
- Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice in a rice cooker or pot with the measured water.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently mix in the vinegar mixture while the rice is still warm. Let cool slightly.
- Form the rice balls:
- Moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking.
- Take small portions of rice and shape them into round or oval balls.
- Wrap each rice ball with a small strip of nori for decoration and flavor.
- Cook the octopus:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar.
- Add the sliced octopus and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until heated through and evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the dish:
- Arrange the rice balls on a serving plate.
- Place the spicy octopus around or on top of the rice balls.
- Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Tips:
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang or mix it with a bit of honey.
- You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature.
- Add some sliced cucumbers or pickled ginger on the side for extra freshness.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your Spicy Octopus with Sushi Rice Balls with a bowl of miso soup and a cup of green tea for a complete Japanese-style meal.