Spicy Octopus Noodle Bowl

Ingredients

• 500 g Octopus (cleaned, cut into bite‑size pieces)
• 1 tablespoon Salt (for cleaning the octopus)
• 4 cups Water (for blanching)
• 4 cups Ice Water (to shock the octopus after blanching)
• 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for frying)
• 200 g Udon Noodles (or any thick wheat noodle)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
• 2 stalks Green Onion (sliced for garnish)

Instructions

1. Clean the Octopus

   Rinse the octopus under cold water, sprinkle with 1 tbsp salt, and gently scrub the surface. Pat dry with paper towels.

   Time: PT5M

2. Blanch the Octopus

   Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the octopus pieces and blanch for 2‑3 minutes until they turn opaque. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 100°C

3. Prepare the Sauce

   In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, tomato sauce, sugar, black pepper, chili powder, minced garlic, and sliced onion. Stir until sugar dissolves.

   Time: PT5M

4. Marinate the Octopus

   Add the blanched octopus to the sauce, toss to coat, and let it sit for 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

5. Cook the Noodles

   While the octopus marinates, bring another pot of water to a boil, add the noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 6‑8 minutes). Drain in a colander and set aside.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: 100°C

6. Stir‑Fry the Octopus

   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated octopus (including any excess sauce) and stir‑fry for 4‑5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the octopus is lightly caramelized.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 180°C

7. Combine Noodles and Octopus

   Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, toss everything together for 2‑3 minutes so the noodles absorb the sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion on top.

   Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

520

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

60 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

3 g