Seared Octopus with Mojo Sauce recipe

Seared Octopus with Mojo Sauce

by Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)
Prep Time
45min
Cook Time
45min
Total Time
1hr 30min

Tender octopus marinated in chili oil, seared to golden perfection, and served on a bed of Mojo Sauce.

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion of octopus with sauce)

Octopus

  • 1lb
    octopus
  • 1piece
    lemon
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 1tsp
    black pepper
  • 2tbsp
    gochugaru chillies
  • 2tbsp
    olive oil

Mojo Sauce

  • 1bundle
    coriander
  • 1piece
    capsicum
  • 1/2piece
    onion
  • 6
    clove garlic
  • 6
    chillies (Adjust according to preference)
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 1cup
    spinach
  • 1/4cup
    olive oil
  • 2tbsp
    lemon juice

How to make Seared Octopus with Mojo Sauce

Preparing the Octopus

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

  2. Blanch the octopus by dipping it for 3 minutes at a time.

  3. Simmer for 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the octopus.

  4. Remove from heat, drain, cover, and cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Cooling helps the skin set before searing or grilling.

    Step 1.1: Remove from heat, drain, cover, and cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour

Marinating and Searing

  1. Marinate the octopus with lemon juice, salt, pepper, gochugaru chillies, and olive oil.

    Step 2.1: Marinate the octopus with lemon juice, salt, pepper, gochugaru chillies, and olive oil
  2. Sear the octopus on high heat until golden brown.

    Step 2.1: Sear the octopus on high heat until golden brown

Preparing Mojo Sauce

  1. Blend coriander, capsicum, onion, garlic, chillies, and salt to form a paste.

    Step 3.1: Blend coriander, capsicum, onion, garlic, chillies, and salt to form a paste
  2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending, ensuring everything is well combined.

  3. Add spinach and lemon juice and blend again until smooth. You may need to add a little water to adjust the consistency if it’s too thick.

    Step 3.1: Add spinach and lemon juice and blend again until smooth
    Step 3.2: Add spinach and lemon juice and blend again until smooth

Serving

  1. Spread the Mojo Sauce evenly on a plate.

  2. Place the seared octopus on top of the sauce.

    Step 4.1: Place the seared octopus on top of the sauce

Tips & Tricks

  1. Cooling the octopus helps the skin set before searing or grilling.