Smoky & Spicy: Korean Gochujang Marinated Grilled Octopus Recipe

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about grilling seafood, especially when it is coated in a fiery, umami-rich glaze. This Korean Gochujang Marinated Grilled Octopus recipe brings the vibrant street food culture of Seoul right to your backyard. The star here is Gochujang—a fermented Korean chili paste—that caramelizes beautifully on the high heat of the grill, creating a sticky, smoky crust while keeping the octopus tender and succulent inside. It is a dish that balances heat, sweetness, and savory depth in every bite. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or looking to expand your culinary horizons, this dish delivers a sensory experience that is hard to match. By utilizing a flat-top grill or plancha, you can achieve that restaurant-quality sear without losing any of the precious marinade to the fire.

Ingredients

The Main Event

• 2 to 3 lbs whole octopus (cleaned and gutted)
• 1 tbsp coarse sea salt (for cleaning)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for cleaning)

The Gochujang Marinade

• 3 tbsp Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Garnish

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 stalks green onions, finely chopped
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cleaning and Prepping the Octopus

1. Place the octopus in a large bowl. Add the coarse sea salt and flour.
2. Massage the octopus vigorously for about 3 to 5 minutes. This helps remove the slime and tenderizes the meat.
3. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear and all residue is gone.

Step 2: Parboiling for Tenderness

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. You can add a slice of radish or onion for aromatics if desired.
2. Dip the octopus legs into the boiling water 3 times quickly to curl the ends, then submerge the whole octopus.
3. Boil for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on size). You want it slightly undercooked as it will finish on the grill.
4. Immediately transfer the octopus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Creating the Marinade

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Gochujang, Gochugaru, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
2. Whisk ingredients together until the sugar has fully dissolved and the paste is smooth.
3. Cut the octopus into manageable sections (usually separating the legs).
4. Coat the octopus thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.

Step 4: Grilling to Perfection

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an Arteflame or plancha, oil the surface lightly.
2. Place the marinated octopus legs onto the hot grill surface. Reserve any leftover marinade.
3. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You are looking for a nice char and caramelization on the sauce, but be careful not to burn the sugar content.
4. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last minute of cooking for an extra sticky glaze.

Step 5: Serving

1. Remove the octopus from the grill and let it rest for a minute.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut the legs into bite-sized pieces.
3. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Tips

Achieving the perfect texture with octopus can be intimidating, but the secret lies in the "massage" during cleaning and the parboiling step. Do not skip the salt and flour scrub; it is crucial for removing the slippery texture that many find unappealing. When grilling, keep a close eye on the heat. Because the marinade contains sugar and Gochujang, it can burn quickly if left unattended. If you are using an open grate grill, make sure your grates are very clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. For the best flavor, source high-quality Gochujang from a Korean grocer; the depth of fermentation makes a significant difference compared to generic chili pastes. If your octopus is very large, consider scoring the thickest parts of the legs slightly to ensure the marinade penetrates deeper and the heat distributes evenly.

Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your spice tolerance and dietary preferences. While the traditional version is quite spicy, you can easily modify the heat or the protein itself. Here are a few ways to twist the recipe:

• Mild Version: Reduce the Gochugaru and add a tablespoon of ketchup or tomato paste to the marinade to maintain the red color and body without the intense heat.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add sliced onions, carrots, and cabbage to the grill alongside the octopus. Mix them together at the end for a classic "Nakji-bokkeum" style dish.
• Squid Swap: If you cannot find octopus, this exact marinade works wonders with whole squid or calamari tubes. Just reduce the grilling time as squid cooks faster.
• Cheesy Delight: In modern Korean cuisine, melted mozzarella is often served over spicy dishes to cut the heat. Melt cheese on the grill and serve it as a dip.
• Citrus Kick: Add lime juice and zest to the marinade for a brighter, tangier profile that cuts through the richness of the sesame oil.

Best pairings

Korean grilled octopus is a bold dish that demands sides that can either cool down the palate or complement the savory umami notes. The texture of the octopus pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh elements. To create a full Korean BBQ experience, consider serving this dish with:

• Steamed White Rice: Essential for soaking up the spicy, sticky sauce.
• Pickled Radish (Danmuji): The sweet and sour crunch provides a perfect palate cleanser between spicy bites.
• Soju or Makgeolli: Cold Soju or Korean rice wine (Makgeolli) are the traditional alcoholic beverages that cut through the spice and oil.
• Perilla Leaves: Wrap the octopus pieces in fresh perilla leaves with a little rice for an aromatic, herbaceous bite.
• Egg Soufflé (Gyeran-jjim): A silky Korean steamed egg dish that helps soothe your tongue if the spice gets too intense.

Conclusion

Mastering this Korean Gochujang Marinated Grilled Octopus recipe adds an impressive and exotic weapon to your grilling arsenal. It is a dish that looks spectacular, smells incredible, and tastes even better. The interplay between the smoky char from the grill and the sweet heat of the fermented chili paste creates a flavor profile that is addictive and unforgettable. Whether you serve it as a sophisticated appetizer or the main course of a festive dinner, it is guaranteed to spark conversation. So, fire up the grill, gather your friends, and enjoy the vibrant tastes of Korea right at home. Do not forget to share your culinary masterpiece on social media!