Octopus Teriyaki

Instructions:

1. 1. First, prepare the teriyaki sauce. Combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer until it reduces by about one third. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Strain the sauce to remove the garlic and ginger and set it aside.
2. 2. While the teriyaki sauce is simmering, rinse the octopus tentacles under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. 3. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the octopus tentacles. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the octopus starts to get crispy and a nice crust forms. Once all the sides are seared, lower the heat to medium-low.
4. 4. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the octopus. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken and glazes the octopus. Make sure to turn the octopus occasionally, so all the sides are coated in the sauce.
5. 5. Slice the green onions diagonally and sprinkle them over the octopus.
6. 6. Transfer the octopus to a serving plate and garnish with a Maraschino cherry for presentation. Enjoy your exotic Octopus Teriyaki!