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Grilled Octopus

Savory Grilled Octopus with Smoky, Charred Perfection

This Grilled Octopus recipe captures smoky flavor and tender texture, making it a culinary adventure that even non-seafood lovers will enjoy.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Grill
  • 2 pounds Octopus Choose fresh or high-quality frozen for the best results.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Essential for marinating and grilling; avocado oil works too.
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Perfect acidity for balancing flavors; lime juice is a suitable alternative.
  • 1 cup Fresh Herbs e.g., parsley, oregano; dried herbs can be substituted.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Basic seasoning critical to enhancing flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Basic seasoning to enhance flavors.
For Serving
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Olive Oil To drizzle just before serving.
  • 2 pieces Lemon Wedges For squeezing fresh juice over the top.

Equipment

  • grill
  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Octopus
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the octopus and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 40-60 minutes until tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Coat the cooled octopus pieces in the marinade and marinate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450°F to 500°F). Ensure the surface of the marinated octopus is dry to help achieve that perfect char.
  4. Place the octopus pieces onto the grates of the hot grill. Grill each side for 3-5 minutes, watching closely for a char to form.
  5. Arrange the grilled octopus pieces on a platter. Drizzle with extra olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

Notes

For the best results, follow the tips for pre-tenderizing the octopus and ensuring it is dry before grilling.