Grilled octopus is a tasty and tender dish that brings the flavors of the sea to your table. Its smoky, charred bits make each bite exciting and packed with flavor!
When I make this, I love serving it with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. It’s like a little vacation on a plate! 🌊🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Octopus: Fresh octopus is ideal for this recipe. If it’s not available, look for frozen octopus; it’s often pre-cleaned and tender. Alternatively, you could use squid for a different texture, though it requires a shorter cooking time.
Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil enhances flavor. If you’re looking for a twist, try using avocado oil for a milder taste that also withstands high heat well.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds a lovely smoky flavor. You can swap it for regular paprika or even some cayenne for a spicy kick, but it won’t have the same smokiness.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for brightness and flavor. If you don’t have lemons on hand, lime juice can work too, though it’ll alter the taste slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Octopus is Tender and Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking octopus can be tricky, but it’s all about getting the texture right. Simmering it in salted water is essential for tenderizing. Follow these simple steps:
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt generously, and bring to a boil.
- Gently add the octopus and simmer, covered, for 30-45 minutes. Test by poking with a fork; it should slide in easily.
- Remove and let cool before cutting. This helps maintain its juices for grilling.
When marinating, don’t rush! Letting it soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes will make a big difference in taste during grilling.
How to Make Grilled Octopus?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds octopus, cleaned
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour in total. This includes 30-45 minutes of cooking the octopus until tender, plus about 30 minutes for marinating. Grilling will only take about 8 minutes. It’s a simple yet impressive dish to prepare!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Octopus:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the cleaned octopus into the pot. Let it simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes until it’s nice and tender. To check if it’s ready, simply poke it with a fork; if it slides in easily, it’s done!
2. Cooling the Octopus:
After the octopus is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool on a cutting board or plate. Once it’s cool enough to handle, chop off the head (if attached) and cut the tentacles into smaller sections for easier grilling.
3. Marinating:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and the juice of 2 lemons. Once mixed, add the octopus pieces to the marinade. Toss everything together until the octopus is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to a few hours in the refrigerator for extra flavor!
4. Grilling:
Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the marinated octopus pieces. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely charred and crisp. The smoky flavor will be amazing!
5. Serving:
Once grilled, transfer the octopus to a serving platter. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your delicious grilled octopus!
Can I Use Frozen Octopus for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen octopus! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water for quicker results. After thawing, proceed with the recipe as usual.
What if I Can’t Find Smoked Paprika?
If you can’t find smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika and add a few drops of liquid smoke to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, mixing in a bit of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick along with some smokiness, but adjust the amount to your spice tolerance!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Octopus?
Store any leftover grilled octopus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on a grill pan for a few minutes on each side. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the octopus rubbery.
Can I Grill Octopus Without Boiling First?
While boiling the octopus before grilling helps achieve tenderness, you can grill it directly if you choose to marinate it longer—aim for at least 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may take 7-10 minutes on each side to cook through, depending on the thickness of the pieces.
