Grilled Octopus

Grilled Octopus

Grilled octopus is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that is as flavorful as it is visually impressive. The smoky char from grilling, combined with the tender, succulent texture of the octopus, creates a delicious contrast that is sure to delight seafood lovers.

Octopus can seem intimidating to cook, but with the right technique, it becomes a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.

This recipe includes a simple marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the octopus while giving it a vibrant, grilled finish. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a gourmet dinner, grilled octopus offers a bold and flavorful experience.

Ingredients:

2 lbs octopus (preferably frozen, thawed)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp paprika

1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make:

Prepare the Octopus: Start by cleaning the octopus if necessary. If it is not already pre-cleaned, remove the beak and innards, and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. If you’re using frozen octopus, make sure it is completely thawed before proceeding. Freezing octopus helps tenderize the meat, making it more ideal for grilling. If the tentacles are too long, you can cut them into smaller, manageable pieces (about 3-4 inches long).

Tenderizing the Octopus: To ensure the octopus becomes tender when grilled, you can tenderize it by either simmering it or using a mallet. If simmering, place the octopus in a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the octopus is tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, remove the octopus from the pot and set it aside to cool. Alternatively, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound the octopus before marinating it to break down the fibers.

Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is well combined.

Marinate the Octopus: Place the cooled octopus in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the octopus, making sure it is evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For the best results, marinate the octopus for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preheat the Grill: While the octopus is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are well-oiled to prevent sticking.

Grill the Octopus: Once the octopus has marinated, remove it from the marinade and discard the excess. Place the octopus pieces directly on the grill. Grill the octopus for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is beautifully charred and cooked through. The tentacles should curl up, and you should see nice grill marks.

Serve: Once the octopus is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the octopus. You can also drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top for added richness.

Optional Sides: Grilled octopus pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or a light couscous or quinoa dish. It also goes great with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Chef’s Note:

The key to tender grilled octopus is proper pre-cooking, either by simmering or tenderizing. If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can also grill the octopus over direct charcoal heat. For a more robust flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade. The longer the octopus marinates, the more intense the flavor will be, so feel free to adjust marination time based on your preferences.

Grilled octopus is a great dish to serve at gatherings, and it’s a wonderful way to introduce guests to a seafood delicacy. If you’re looking for an alternative, try using squid or calamari, which also grill beautifully.

Nutrition Information (per serving, 4 servings total):

Calories: 280

Protein: 32g

Carbohydrates: 6g

Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 200mg

Sodium: 600mg

Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 2g

Grilled octopus is a simple yet gourmet dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Its tender, smoky texture and rich seasoning make it a perfect dish for seafood lovers looking for a unique and impressive recipe. Whether you’re grilling it for a casual family dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, grilled octopus is sure to impress with its elegance and depth of flavor.