Dive into a culinary adventure with this Grilled Octopus recipe, where tender, charred tentacles meet a zesty marinade for a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Often considered a delicacy, octopus shines when grilled, offering a unique texture and taste that will tantalize your taste buds. Impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinner with this simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to make a splash at your table.
Grilled Octopus Recipe
Equipment
- Grill
- Tongs
- Basting Brush
- Large pot
- Small Bowl
- Lemon squeezer
Ingredients
- 1 whole octopus cleaned (about 2-3 pounds)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lemons juiced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil. Add the octopus and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the octopus is tender. Drain and let it cool.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the octopus with the olive oil mixture.
- Grill the octopus for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is charred and has grill marks.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the octopus into serving pieces.
- Serve the grilled octopus with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can change the ingredients in the marinade to fit your taste. You can add more garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary to make it taste better.
- You can cover the octopus with aluminum foil while cooking if you’d like to help it stay moist.
- If you want to go with grilled octopus, you could have roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or crusty bread.
- If you want to go with grilled octopus, you could have roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 378kcal |
Carbohydrates | 11g |
Protein | 67g |
Fat | 4g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Sodium | 1043mg |
Iron | 24.1mg |
Calcium | 246mg |
Vitamin A | 680IU |
Potassium | 1587mg |
Do You Need to Boil Octopus Before Grilling?
Yes, boiling octopus before grilling is recommended. This process tenderizes the meat, ensuring it’s not too tough or chewy. Boiling for about 45-60 minutes prepares the octopus perfectly for grilling, where it can then be charred and flavored to your liking.
How Long to Grill Octopus For?
Grill the octopus for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is charred and has grill marks. This brief grilling time enhances the flavor without overcooking. Ensure the octopus is already tender from pre-boiling before placing it on the grill. Enjoy the smoky, charred taste that grilling imparts.