Grilled octopus is a delightful seafood dish that combines tender, smoky octopus with a burst of flavors from herbs, lemon, and olive oil. It's a perfect addition to any Mediterranean meal, offering both a tantalizing taste and a unique culinary experience.

Grilled Octopus recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
50min
Total Time
1hr 5min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1/4 of the octopus)
  • octopus
    octopus
    1kg
  • olive oil
    olive oil
    1cup
  • garlic cloves, minced
    garlic cloves, minced
    4
  • chopped fresh oregano
    chopped fresh oregano
    1tbsp
  • chopped cilantro
    chopped cilantro
    1tbsp
  • chopped parsley
    chopped parsley
    1tbsp
  • onions, chopped
    onions, chopped
    2
  • red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
    red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
    1
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Grilled Octopus

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Wash the octopus thoroughly and cut it into medium-sized pieces.

  2. Step 2

    Place in a pot, cover with water, add a teaspoon of salt, and cook until tender.

  3. Step 3

    Remove from the pot and let cool completely.

  4. Step 4

    In a bowl, combine the olive oil, chopped onion, cilantro, garlic, parsley, red bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  5. Step 5

    Place the cooled octopus pieces into a bowl and pour the herb marinade over them.

  6. Step 6

    Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors infuse.

  7. Step 7

    Remove the octopus from the marinade (reserving the sauce), wrap the pieces in aluminum foil, and grill over high heat for about 20 minutes.

  8. Step 8

    During grilling, baste occasionally with the reserved marinade.

  9. Step 9

    Serve the grilled octopus hot, accompanied by cooked vegetables or a side of white rice.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

645.1kcal (32.26%)

Protein

37.5g (75.08%)

Carbs

4.0g (1.45%)

Sugars

1.0g (2.04%)

Healthy Fat

45.9g

Unhealthy Fat

8.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For extra tenderness, freeze the octopus before boiling.

  2. Use fresh herbs to enhance the flavors further.

FAQS

  1. How can I make the octopus more tender?

    Freezing the octopus before boiling can help make it more tender.

  2. Can I use lime instead of lemon?

    Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime for a slightly different tang.

  3. How should I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

  4. What can I serve with grilled octopus?

    Pair it with a fresh Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

  5. Do I have to grill it in foil?

    Foil helps retain moisture, but you can grill it directly for a charred effect. Just oil the grates well.

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