Stir-fried Octopus with Garlic Scapes

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

Cooking Process

1. 
   Step 1

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

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2. 
   Step 2

   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.

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3. 
   Step 3

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

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4. 
   Step 4

   Cut into inch-long segments.

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5. 
   Step 5

   Cut a handful of garlic scapes into sections.

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6. 
   Step 6

   Heat oil in a wok.

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7. 
   Step 7

   Toss in the scallion and ginger to fragrance the oil.

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8. 
   Step 8

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

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9. 
   Step 9

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

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10. 
    Step 10

    Toss and stir everything together.

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11. 
    Step 11

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

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12. 
    Step 12

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

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13. 
    Step 13

    The octopus is starting to turn a nice red color.

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14. 
    Step 14

    Beautiful red color — looking vibrant and appetizing!

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15. 
    Step 15

    Season with a little salt and a touch of MSG.

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16. 
    Step 16

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

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