19 Japanese Braised Octopus Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
If you're looking to impress your dinner guests with a unique and flavorful dish, then look no further than this Japanese braised octopus recipe. Octopus, also known as "tako" in Japanese, is a popular seafood ingredient in Japanese cuisine. It is typically served in sashimi or grilled form, but this braised octopus dish takes it to a whole new level. The tender and succulent octopus, combined with the savory and umami flavors of the braising sauce, will surely leave your taste buds satisfied and your guests asking for seconds.
This refreshing Japanese cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a tangy rice vinegar dressing and topped with sprigs of fresh cilantro. It's a great way to add a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
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Cucumber and Octopus Salad with Wasabi Vinaigrette,...
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Octopus Sashimi, Sea Salt, Roasted White
This unique salad combines the crispness of cucumbers with the tender texture of octopus. The dressing is made with spicy wasabi paste for a kick of heat. Serve it as an appetizer or light lunch for a taste of the sea.
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Takoyaki
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Eggs, Cold Water, Salt, Kombu Dashi
Takoyaki is a popular street food in Japan, often found at festivals and markets. These octopus balls are made with a savory batter and filled with diced octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger. They're then topped with a sweet and tangy sauce and bonito flakes for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Sushi Hand Rolls
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sake, Dried Kombu, Rice Vinegar, White
While traditional sushi rolls are made with a bamboo mat, hand rolls are a more casual and fun way to enjoy this popular Japanese dish. Simply wrap nori sheets around your favorite sushi fillings and dip them in soy sauce for a delicious and portable meal.
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Hand-rolled Sushi
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Purple Potatoes, Heavy Cream, Butter, Sugar
If you want to try your hand at making traditional sushi rolls, this recipe is for you. From the seasoned rice to the fresh sashimi and crunchy vegetables, you'll be able to create a beautiful and delicious roll that will impress your friends and family.
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Clayton's Octopus Salad
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Dry White Wine, Lemon, Garlic, Whole
This octopus salad recipe is inspired by a popular dish from a Japanese restaurant in New York. The octopus is cooked until tender and mixed with a flavorful dressing made with sesame oil and rice vinegar. It's a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.
These fluffy and thick pancakes are a popular breakfast dish in Japan. Made with a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, they have a slightly sweet taste and are often topped with syrup and butter. They're a great way to start your day off on a sweet note.
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, and cabbage. It's then topped with a savory sauce and mayonnaise for a burst of flavor. This dish is popular as both a street food and a restaurant dish in Japan.
This light and fluffy cheesecake is a popular dessert in Japan. The texture is similar to cotton candy, hence the name. It's made with cream cheese, eggs, and a little bit of flour for a delicate and delicious treat. Strawberry jam is commonly served on top for a sweet and fruity twist.
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Japanese Style Broast Duck
Main Ingredients: Dashi, Ginger, Mirin, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Kosher Salt
This broast duck recipe is inspired by Japanese flavors and techniques. The duck is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being broasted to perfection. Serve it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
This hearty stew is a popular comfort food in Japan. Tender chunks of beef are simmered with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce and mirin. It's a simple and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly day.
This dish is a combination of two beloved Japanese dishes: curry and udon noodles. The curry is made with a blend of spices and beef broth for a rich and savory sauce. It's then poured over hot udon noodles for a delicious and filling meal.
This melt-in-your-mouth pork belly is slow-cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin until it becomes tender and flavorful. It's then sliced and served with a scallion and ginger relish for a burst of freshness. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend dinner.
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Grilled Octopus
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Carrots, Celery, Medium Onion, Garlic
Grilling octopus is a popular way to prepare this seafood delicacy in Japan. The tentacles are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and ginger before being grilled to perfection. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple and tasty dish.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This classic Japanese salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. It's a refreshing side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, from sushi to grilled meats.
Ramen is a beloved dish in Japan, with many regional variations and styles. The broth is typically made with a combination of pork bones, chicken bones, and vegetables for a rich and flavorful base. It's then topped with thinly sliced pork, soft-boiled egg, and green onions for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Octopus with Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Baby Octopus, Fingerling, Garlic, Chopped Parsley
This simple and comforting dish is a popular way to enjoy octopus in Japan. The octopus is cooked until tender and served with boiled potatoes and a savory sauce. It's a great way to introduce this seafood to those who may be hesitant to try it.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri are a staple in Japanese cuisine, often eaten as a quick and portable snack. These triangular rice balls are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pickled plum, salmon, or tuna. They're perfect for a picnic or a packed lunch.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza are a type of dumpling that originated in China but are now a popular dish in Japan. These pan-fried dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and seasonings. They're often served with a dipping sauce and make for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
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Oden - Japanese Winter Stew
Main Ingredients: Daikon, Ito Konnyaku, Fish Cakes, Atsuage, Octopus
Oden is a hearty and comforting stew that is popular during the winter months in Japan. It's made with a variety of ingredients, such as daikon radish, konnyaku, and boiled eggs, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It's a great way to warm up on a chilly day.
The Secret to Perfectly Braised Octopus
Choosing the Right Octopus
To achieve the best results with this recipe, it's important to choose the right octopus. Look for fresh or frozen octopus that has been cleaned and tentacles separated. It's also recommended to use smaller octopus, as they tend to be more tender and flavorful.
The Braising Sauce
The key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this dish lies in the braising sauce. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sake creates a delicious and savory base, while ginger and garlic add depth and complexity. For a touch of sweetness, honey is added, and red chili flakes provide a subtle hint of spice. This sauce not only infuses the octopus with flavor but also helps to tenderize it during the braising process.
The Braising Process
Braising is a cooking method that involves searing meat or seafood and then slowly cooking it in a liquid. In this recipe, the octopus is first seared in a hot pan to give it a nice caramelized exterior. Then, it is added to the braising sauce and simmered for about an hour until it becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors of the sauce. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth octopus that is bursting with flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Japanese braised octopus recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and complexity. The combination of the tender and succulent octopus with the rich and savory braising sauce creates a dish that will surely impress. So next time you're looking for a unique and flavorful seafood dish, give this recipe a try and taste the deliciousness of Japanese cuisine.
![[I ate] takoyaki octopus balls covered in mayonnaise and sauce : r/food](https://i.redd.it/pcenevcp85121.jpg)
![[I ate] Grilled Octopus : food](https://i.redd.it/bcxvtzxgceb11.jpg)
