Braised Octopus with Spices

Braised Octopus with Spices is a rich and flavorful dish that features tender octopus simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a unique culinary experience. The dish combines Chinese cooking techniques with aromatic spices, resulting in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Ingredients

• Octopus - 500 grams, cleaned
• Water - 500 ml
• Soy sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Shaoxing wine - 2 tablespoons
• Ginger - 20 grams, sliced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Star anise - 2 whole
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Red chili flakes - 1 teaspoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Spring onions - 2, chopped for garnish
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. In a large pot, combine water, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, red chili flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, add the cleaned octopus to the pot. Cover and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently for 60-70 minutes, or until the octopus is tender.
3. Check the octopus for tenderness; it should be easily pierced with a fork. If needed, simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Once cooked, remove the octopus from the pot and let it cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
5. Return the octopus pieces to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Adjust salt to taste.
6. Drizzle sesame oil over the dish before serving, and garnish with chopped spring onions.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.

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