Food & Wine
Try this deep-fried salt and pepper octopus
Time to prepare 40 mins | Cooking Time 2 mins | Serves 6
Never cooked octopus at home? Try this easy entrée recipe today!
Deep-frying, when done properly, is a great way to cook seafood. It’s fast, cooking most foods in a few minutes, it quickly seals the food’s surface, locking in flavour and moisture and it adds appealing crunch, colour and aroma.
Ingredients
- 1kg baby octopus, cleaned and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
- 1 tablespoon crushed coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons salt flakes, crushed
- 1 tablespoon crushed white peppercorns
- 2 cups tapioca starch
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
Directions
1. Place octopus, fish sauce and lemon juice in a bowl and marinate for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
2. Place chilli, coriander, salt, pepper and cornflour in a large freezer bag, add the octopus and shake well to coat. Place octopus in a colander and shake well to remove excess flour.
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3. Heat oil in a wok or deep-fryer to 190ºC. Add octopus and cook for 1-2 minutes, until crisp and tender.
Tips
- Alternative species: Calamari, cuttlefish, squid, green prawns (peeled and deveined).
- Season: Available year round.
- To Buy: When purchasing fresh whole Octopus look for intact bright skin, intact head and arms, and a pleasant fresh sea smell.
- To Store: Make sure Octopus is gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC.
Republished with permission of Wyza.com.au.