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–+ servings
Grilled Tender Octopus

Grilled Tender Octopus

Discover how to make Grilled Tender Octopus with smoky flavors and a tender texture. Perfect for Mediterranean-inspired meals and special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 900 g whole cleaned octopus
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • as needed Lemon wedges

Equipment

  • Large pot with lid
  • Tongs
  • Mixing bowls
  • Grill
  • Basting brush

Method
 

  1. Rinse the octopus under cold water and clean if necessary by removing the beak, eyes, and internal organs.
  2. Place the octopus in a large pot filled with water along with halved lemons, crushed garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns, and bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Simmer the octopus over low heat for about an hour until tender, testing with a fork.
  4. Once tender, remove the octopus from the pot, let it cool slightly, and then cut off the tentacles and pat them dry.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
  6. Coat the tentacles with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  7. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
  8. Grill the marinated tentacles for 3-4 minutes on each side until charred.
  9. Arrange the grilled tentacles on a platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and add lemon wedges for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Freezing the octopus overnight before cooking can help make it more tender. Leftover grilled octopus keeps well in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet for best results.
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