Karaage

Method

1. 1 Boil the octopus for 30 minutes, then let it cool in the boiling water and cut it into 3 cm pieces.
2. 2 Boiling octopus beforehand is mandatory; frying it raw will result in a rubbery, chewy texture.
3. 3 Marinate the octopus pieces with soy sauce, sake, and crushed ginger and garlic for 40 minutes.
4. 4 Pat dry, then roll in tapioca starch and let rest for 5 minutes.
5. 5 Fry the octopus in oil at 185 degrees for exactly 90 seconds; it will be cooked through, so only the outer shell needs to be crispy.
6. 6 Squeeze lemon juice on the plate and dip in mayonnaise mixed with soy sauce.

With an appliance

• Air fryer 32 min

  Replace step 5: spray oil evenly, then steam in a hot air oven at 200 degrees for 7 minutes; the crust will be thinner than when deep-fried.