Smoking Type: Hot Smoking/Warm Smoking
Temperature: Moderate Indirect Heat
Time: Typically 15 to 25 minutes
When smoking scallops, it's best to use moderate indirect heat. High temperatures can make them excessively tough, so a moderate indirect heat is recommended.
The smoking time can vary depending on the size of the scallops, but as a general guideline, it's usually around 15 to 25 minutes. Be cautious not to over-smoke, as the time the scallops are exposed to smoke inside the smoker imparts the flavor.
Ingredients:
- Fresh octopus
- Smoking chips (choose recommended fruity wood chips)
- Salt
- Olive oil
Instructions:
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Prep the Octopus: Wash the fresh octopus thoroughly, and remove any innards if necessary. Also, process the eyes and beak if present.
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Season with Salt: Sprinkle salt over the entire prepped octopus. Adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.
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Prepare Smoking Chips: If using a smoker, soak smoking chips in water for a while and drain excess water. This ensures that the smoking chips burn longer during the process.
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Smoke the Octopus: Place damp smoking chips on top. Put the octopus in the smoker and close the lid, smoking at medium indirect heat. Smoking time varies based on octopus size, but generally around 15-25 minutes is recommended.
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Finish: After smoking, drizzle olive oil over the smoked octopus to enhance the flavor. You can enjoy the smoked octopus as is or use it in salads, seafood pasta, and more.
Recommended Wood Chips:
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Oak: Oak is a common smoking chip, offering a balanced flavor with medium smokiness. Classic oak flavor pairs well with smoked octopus.
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Applewood: Applewood has a fruity and sweet aroma, making it an excellent match for octopus. Using applewood chips for smoked octopus imparts a refreshing aroma.
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Cherrywood: Cherrywood has a gentle sweetness and slight smokiness, providing octopus with a mild flavor. Cherrywood chips enhance the elegant taste of smoked octopus.
Smoked Octopus Tacos
Ingredients:
- 200g smoked octopus
- 4 taco shells (tortillas)
- Lettuce (as needed)
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 avocado
- 1 onion
- Cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese, as needed)
- Sour cream (or mayonnaise, as needed)
- Shrimp cocktail sauce (or hot sauce like Tabasco, as needed)
- Coriander (cilantro, as desired)
Instructions:
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Prepare Octopus: Cut the smoked octopus into appropriate sizes.
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Prepare Taco Fillings: Tear lettuce into suitable pieces, finely dice tomatoes, slice the avocado, and thinly slice the onion.
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Warm Taco Shells: Warm the taco shells in a microwave or oven until soft.
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Assemble Tacos: Line the warmed taco shells with lettuce. Add smoked octopus, tomatoes, avocado, and onion on top.
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Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle cheddar cheese, drizzle sour cream, and add shrimp cocktail sauce or preferred hot sauce.
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Finish: Garnish with coriander leaves and your smoked octopus tacos are ready to enjoy.
The umami of smoked octopus and the spiciness of shrimp cocktail sauce harmonize well with the taco fillings, offering a rich flavor profile. Quick to make, this dish is perfect for parties and family meals. Consider adding salsa sauce or pairing with Guinness beer to elevate your authentic taco experience.
Smoked Octopus Japanese-Style Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 200g smoked octopus
- 150g mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, or your preference)
- 1 piece of ginger (minced)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare Octopus and Vegetables: Cut smoked octopus into suitable sizes, and prepare vegetables in bite-sized pieces.
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Stir-Fry Base: Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté minced ginger and garlic. Once fragrant, add the vegetables and stir-fry briefly.
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Add Octopus: When vegetables are slightly tender, add the smoked octopus and continue stir-frying.
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Seasoning: Add soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Mix well, ensuring the octopus and vegetables absorb the flavors.
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Serve: Plate the stir-fry, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
This Japanese-style stir-fry with smoked octopus is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed as a rice accompaniment or as a savory snack with drinks. The Japanese flavors complement the octopus well, bringing color to your dining table. Feel free to add red pepper flakes or grated ginger for extra flavor. Give it a try!