Stir-fried Octopus with Garlic Scapes

Cooking StepsHow to cook Stir-fried Octopus with Garlic Scapes step by step

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1 Detail

   Start with a bowl of cute little octopuses — live ones are best if you can get them.

2. 
   Step 2 Detail

   Remove the beaks and innards. The innards are actually edible, but if you’re stir-frying, the roe will break apart and won’t look nice.

3. 
   Step 3 Detail

   Here’s a clean octopus with beak and innards removed.

4. 
   Step 4 Detail

   Cut into inch-long segments.

5. 
   Step 5 Detail

   Cut a handful of garlic scapes into sections.

6. 
   Step 6 Detail

   Heat oil in a wok.

7. 
   Step 7 Detail

   Toss in the scallion and ginger to fragrance the oil.

8. 
   Step 8 Detail

   Add the octopus and stir-fry raw — do NOT blanch the octopus first, absolutely no blanching!

9. 
   Step 9 Detail

   Once the octopus starts turning slightly red, add the garlic scapes.

10. 
    Step 10 Detail

    Toss and stir everything together.

11. 
    Step 11 Detail

    If your fire isn’t strong enough, cover with the lid for a few seconds to let the heat build up.

12. 
    Step 12 Detail

    The octopus will release liquid — don’t worry about it, it will gradually cook off.

13. 
    Step 13 Detail

    The octopus is starting to turn a nice red color.

14. 
    Step 14 Detail

    Beautiful red color — looking vibrant and appetizing!

15. 
    Step 15 Detail

    Season with a little salt and a touch of MSG.

16. 
    Step 16 Detail

    Plate up and serve — so fresh and delicious you’ll lose your mind!