Jjukkumi Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-Fried Webfoot Octopus)
Jjukkumi Bokkeum is a popular Korean seafood dish where webfoot octopus (jjukkumi) is stir-fried in a spicy sauce. The dish combines the chewy texture of the octopus with a spicy seasoning, making it a flavorful meal that pairs well with rice.
Main Ingredients
- Jjukkumi: Fresh webfoot octopus is the main ingredient.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and complements the texture.
- Carrot: Adds color and texture.
- Green Onion: Adds aroma and flavor.
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste): Provides the base spicy flavor.
- Gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes): Adds extra spiciness and color.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances umami flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the spiciness with sweetness.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant and spicy kick.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Used for garnish and adds a nutty flavor.
Basic Cooking Method
- Preparation:
- Clean the jjukkumi by removing the innards and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the onion, carrot, and green onion into thin strips.
- Making the Sauce:
- Mix gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil to make the seasoning sauce.
- Stir-Frying:
- Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry the onion, carrot, and green onion first.
- When the vegetables are halfway cooked, add the jjukkumi and stir-fry.
- Once the jjukkumi is almost cooked, add the seasoning sauce and mix well while stir-frying.
- Finishing Touches:
- When the jjukkumi is fully cooked and the sauce is well absorbed, turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Serving:
- Serve on a plate with warm rice.
Tips
- Jjukkumi cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it as it can become tough.
- Adjust the seasoning sauce to your taste, and if you prefer a spicier dish, you can add Cheongyang chili peppers.
- Using fresh jjukkumi is important. If using frozen jjukkumi, make sure to thaw and drain well to ensure the sauce adheres properly.
Jjukkumi bokkeum is a fantastic main dish on its own, but it also pairs well with other side dishes for a complete meal. This spicy dish is popular as a side dish for drinks and is especially delicious when made with fresh jjukkumi in season during spring.
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“Gimpo Geojip Jjukkumi”
A value-for-money jjukkumi (webfoot octopus) restaurant known for its rich, smoky flavor.
It wasn’t difficult to find thanks to the large entrance sign. Of course, these days, navigation systems guide you everywhere.
There are rumors that the spacious parking lot fills up during holidays or lunchtime. I haven’t been there at those times, so I don’t know. At least on weekday evenings, there were fewer cars, which was nice.
Gimpo Geojip Jjukkumi Location
Located in Yangchon Gurae, on the western edge of Gimpo. Gimpo is a surprisingly large area, so it takes more than 30 minutes to travel from one end to the other.
Why is the terrace so wide? It was so spacious that it seemed like a waiting area. It was perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee after a meal.
Menu and Pricing
- Jjukkumi Bokkeum (Stir-fried Webfoot Octopus) 11,000 KRW
- Deodeok Gui (Grilled Codonopsis Lanceolata)
- Hwangtae Gui (Grilled Dried Pollack)
- Dotori Muchim (Seasoned Acorn Jelly)
- Shrimp Tempura (perhaps a kids’ menu item?)
Additional Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew) for 1,000 KRW. What a great deal.
Self-Serve Bar
Lettuce, young radish, radish salad, and bean sprouts are available to take as you please.
Dishes
I ordered the 11,000 KRW jjukkumi, and it came with various side dishes. It was intended to be mixed with barley rice and jjukkumi. We all ordered barley rice. When else do you get to eat barley rice? In the past, barley was cheaper than rice, but now it’s more expensive.
The jjukkumi had a rich, smoky flavor and generous portions. It made me wonder if jjukkumi was always this affordable.
Barley rice or white rice is available, and we chose barley rice, likely out of curiosity.
The savory doenjang jjigae was delicious and only cost 1,000 KRW extra, which was surprising.
Final Thoughts
The combination of four side dishes and smoky jjukkumi looked wonderful and plentiful. If it doesn’t look tasty, I must have taken a bad photo. Even now, I’m considering going back to Gimpo from Seoul just to eat this again.
Gimpo Geojip Jjukkumi is particularly appealing because of its smoky flavor. Though it was somewhat spicy, even someone like me who doesn’t handle spice well could manage it.
The final photo sums up my experience. I cleared all the side dishes. I would definitely revisit this jjukkumi restaurant next time I’m in Gimpo.
Choosing between brewed coffee and regular coffee, having a cup on the terrace leaves a lasting impression.
Summary
Introducing Geojip Jjukkumi, a renowned jjukkumi restaurant in Gimpo famous for its smoky, flavorful dishes.
Personal Review
- Unbelievably good value at 11,000 KRW per serving.
- The spacious parking lot means no worries about parking, but it’s not easily accessible by public transport (a downside).
- Tender, smoky jjukkumi that melts in your mouth makes me want to visit again.
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