Ingredients
Octopus
- 1small live nakji, long-arm octopus, from a tank
Dressing
- 2 tbsptoasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsptoasted sesame seeds
- a pinch of salt
To serve
- gochujang or chogochujang, vinegared chilli paste
- soju
Sometimes
- shredded spring onion
- a raw quail egg
Directions
- Rub the octopus thoroughly with coarse salt and rinse it under cold running water. The salt removes the slime coating, and the tentacles must be rinsed carefully between the suckers, which trap sand and grit.
- Rinse it several times until the water runs clear. Now the preparation, which is done quickly.
- Cut them small rather than long, which is both the traditional practice and the sensible one.
- Work quickly and use a very sharp knife.
- Toss the pieces in toasted sesame oil and scatter sesame seeds over.
- Salt lightly and serve at once on a plate.
- Take one small piece at a time, dip it, and chew it thoroughly and deliberately before swallowing. Do not eat large pieces, do not swallow without chewing, and do not eat it hurriedly.
Technique
- It is a documented choking hazard and has caused deaths.
- The octopus is killed first; the movement is nerve activity in the severed arms.
- Sesame oil coats the suckers and reduces their grip.
Substitutions
- Nakji bokkeum, the cooked stir-fried version of the same octopus.
- There is no substitute for a live octopus in this dish.
Variations
- Served whole on a plate rather than cut, which is riskier still.
- With a raw quail egg and shredded spring onion.
- Nakji bokkeum, stir-fried in chilli paste.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sannakji?
Sannakji is a main from South Korea: freshly cut octopus tentacles still writhing, dressed in sesame oil and seeds.
How long does Sannakji take to make?
Sannakji takes 10 min of preparation and none of cooking. The recipe makes 2 servings. It is rated medium to make.
What can I substitute in Sannakji?
Yes, within limits. Nakji bokkeum, the cooked stir-fried version of the same octopus. There is no substitute for a live octopus in this dish.
What is the most important thing to get right in Sannakji?
Rub the octopus thoroughly with coarse salt and rinse it under cold running water. The salt removes the slime coating, and the tentacles must be rinsed carefully between the suckers, which trap sand and grit.
