I know that a lot of people are intimidated by octopus. If you’re one of them, I urge you to try your hand at it with baby octopus, jjukkumi.Baby octopus is naturally tender and easy to handle. Theyare usually sold frozen (and pre-cleaned) here in the U.S. In case you’re wondering, unlike the name suggests, baby octopus is fully grown octopus of a small species.
If you prefer, you can also use small squids for this recipe.Octopus, baby octopus and squid are popular ingredients in Korea. They are most commonly prepared with a spicygochujang(Korean red chili pepper paste) sauce. In the past, I shared how to make a spicy stir-fried squid dish,ojingeo bokkeum. You can use baby octopus for that recipe as well.
Here, these little guys are marinated in a spicy gochujang sauce and seared quickly on the grill. Marinating helps tenderize the octopus, so give it sufficient time to marinate. It will be tender, enjoyably chewy, not to mention a burst of flavor with every bite!
Jjukkumi Gui (Spicy Grilled Baby Octopus)
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound 10 - 12 baby octopus
- 1 small cucumber thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons Korean red chili pepper paste gochujang
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Korean red chili pepper flakes gochugaru
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Defrost, if frozen. If not pre-cleaned, remove and discard the inside of the head and beak. See more here. Rinse the octopus well under cold running water.
- Combine the marinade ingredients. Pour over the octopus and mix to coat well. Marinate for 2 to 3 hours (up to overnight) in the fridge. Heat a lightly oiled grill or a grill pan to medium high and sear for about 3 minutes, turning a couple of times. Do not overcook. Plate them on the optional cucumber slices to serve.
Judy Raine says
what red wine will I SERVE with this dish please?
Tammi Wright says
Really love this recipe! Can I make the marinade and freeze it for about 6 months- 1 year? We use it on chicken as well and
John H. says
Thank you for the recipe! And thank you so much for all the other recipes. I’ve a few of the dishes off this site for my students who crave a taste of home, and they loved everything so far!
Hyosun says
Very happy to hear that!! And it’s my pleasure. Thank you!!
Elaine says
We made this last night for dinner. 😋 It was super yummy and easy! Will definitely make this again soon. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Hyosun says
oh so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know.
Nerissa morales says
Yummy
komolafe praise says
can you deliver one package to my house
Joe Penwell says
I loved this so much! I used it for my food truck in my culinary arts class and had so much fun making it! thank you so much for this recipe! it tasted amazing!
Hyosun says
Delighted to hear that. That sounds like a fun project.
Abbe mohs says
Just made this for dinner. Fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Hyosun says
Great! Thanks for letting me know!
June says
Made it this morning for breakfast and I love it ! Thank you for the recipe =D
Hyosun says
Great! Thanks for letting me know!
p says
made this the other night. it was so good, i couldn’t stop eating it!
Hyosun says
Glad to hear that. Thank you for letting me know!!
Destania Suswantika says
Wonderful recipe. I used fresh squid instead of baby octopus, and served it over rice with pickled cucumber.
Hyosun Ro says
Thank you! Squid sounds great!
Robert Kiss says
amazing recipe. they have marinated so well, loved it!
Donna says
I had this last week and haven’t been able to stop thinking about them since!
I am so glad I found this recipe. Thank you!
Hyosun Ro says
Thank you, Donna! Glad to hear you liked it.
Juls says
This seems so delicious. I want to cook for my Korean family. I hope I’d be able to make it right.
conejitoasesino says
OMG! This looks so good! We love octopus so I am definetly making this for my next family dinner. Thanks so much!
Hyosun Ro says
Thank you for stopping by. Let me know how it works out for you.
Kitchen Riffs says
I admit I’m one of those people who’s intimidated by octopus. Probably because I’ve had some that’s been really poorly cooked – this is one of those foods where you have to cook it very briefly (as you do here) or cook it for a long, long time. I gotta try this sometime – thanks for the kick in the pants.
Hyosun Ro says
Hope you try it. Thank you for visiting, Kitchen Riffs!
Holly @ Beyond Kimchee says
Hyosun, good to see your post. I actually never tried 쭈꾸미. Can you believe that? I love octopus and squid, everything made with them. I bet this will taste so good, especially with grilling. Hope you are doing well.
Hyosun Ro says
Thank you, Holly! I’ve been incredibly busy this summer and haven’t been able to catch up with things. Try this. You will like it.
Sook says
Oh wow! I love the color of this dish! Where did you get the 쭈꾸미? I’d love to try this recipe!!
Hyosun Ro says
Most Korean markets should have them, usually in the frozen section.
Fern @ To Food With Love says
This looks so good….will definitely be trying this soon!
Yumgoggle says
They look really flavorful. I have always been amazed with Korean spices and flavors. This is a must try!
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Sandra M. says
I am not into octopus but would love to try this with squid or baby octopus. I am loving your marinate…Thank you for sharing helpful instructions and have a lovely week ahead!