Learn the secrets to achieving perfectly tender, smoky, and flavorful grilled octopus! This step-by-step guide covers everything from prepping and marinating to charring it to perfection. Impress your guests with a Mediterranean-style seafood dish packed with bold flavors and restaurant-quality results! 🍋🌿 #GrilledOctopus #MediterraneanCooking #SeafoodLovers
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus 2-4 hours marinating time)
Cook time: 20-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 – 2 lbs fresh or frozen (thawed) octopus, cleaned
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for grilling
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Tenderizing the Octopus (Boiling)
This step helps to break down the tough fibers of the octopus, resulting in a more tender final product.
- Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rolling boil.
2. Once boiling, carefully submerge the cleaned octopus into the water.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the octopus is fork-tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of the octopus. Check for tenderness by piercing the thickest part of a tentacle with a fork. It should slide in easily.
4. Once tender, remove the octopus from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and place it in a mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Preparing the Marinade
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped oregano, chopped thyme, chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Season the marinade generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Marinating the Octopus
- Cut the octopus into individual tentacles or leave it whole if it’s small. If the base of the octopus is large, you can also cut it into smaller pieces.
2. Pour the lemon-herb marinade over the warm octopus. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are well coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Grilling the Octopus
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Remove the octopus from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
4. Place the octopus tentacles (or whole octopus) on the preheated grill.
5. Grill for 2-4 minutes per side, until nicely charred and slightly crispy. Avoid overcooking, as it can become rubbery again.
6. Flip the octopus using tongs and grill the other side until charred.
Step 5: Serving
- Remove the grilled octopus from the grill and place it on a serving platter.
2. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the octopus and garnish with extra fresh herbs, if desired.
3. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Buying Octopus: Look for an octopus that smells fresh and doesn’t have any slimy texture. Frozen octopus is often pre-tenderized and can be a good option if fresh isn’t available. Make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Tenderizing: Boiling is a common method for tenderizing octopus. You can also try other methods like freezing and thawing it multiple times or braising it in liquid.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked octopus will be tough and rubbery. The boiling process tenderizes it, and the grilling is just to add flavor and char.
- Marinating: Marinating helps to infuse the octopus with flavor and keeps it moist during grilling.
- Grill Marks: For nice grill marks, avoid moving the octopus too much while it’s grilling on each side.
- Variations: You can adjust the herbs in the marinade to your preference. Other good options include rosemary, dill, and mint. You can also add a touch of white wine to the marinade for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious grilled octopus!
