Name: Simple Greek Grilled Octopus Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs octopus, cleaned; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 lemons, juiced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Grilled octopus is a celebrated dish in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Greek cooking. Known for its tender texture and slightly smoky flavor, this dish is both simple to prepare and packed with unique flavors. The key to achieving that perfect tenderness lies in slow-cooking the octopus before grilling it to perfection. Paired with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, this recipe brings out the best of the octopus’ natural flavors. Perfect as a main course or as part of a larger Greek mezze spread, this grilled octopus is sure to impress any seafood lover.

Ingredients:

2 lbs octopus, cleaned
1/4 cup olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparation:

Step 1: Pre-cook the Octopus

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bay leaf and a generous pinch of salt to the water.
Submerge the cleaned octopus in the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 40-50 minutes. The octopus should become tender—check by piercing it with a fork; it should slide through with ease.
Once done, drain the octopus and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Once the octopus is cool enough to handle, cut it into large pieces if it is not already divided into tentacles.
Toss the octopus pieces into the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Grill the Octopus

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to give the octopus a good char.
Remove the octopus from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Place the pieces on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a slightly charred, caramelized exterior while the inside remains tender.

Step 4: Serve the Dish

Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges for an added citrus burst.
For an even more flavorful finish, drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving.

COOKING Note:

The key to a tender and flavorful grilled octopus is proper pre-cooking. Simmering it in water with a bay leaf ensures the meat is perfectly tender before hitting the grill. If you don’t have access to fresh octopus, frozen octopus can be used as well. In fact, freezing helps tenderize the meat, making it a great alternative if fresh is unavailable. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Greek grilled octopus pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, or alongside grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon and olive oil dressing.

Tips:

To prevent the octopus from sticking to the grill, brush the grates with a little oil before grilling.
If you have time, marinate the octopus overnight for deeper flavor.
Octopus shrinks when cooked, so don’t worry if it looks large before cooking—it will reduce in size during the boiling and grilling process.
For an added layer of flavor, you can sprinkle some smoked paprika over the octopus just before serving.
If you prefer a softer texture, cook the octopus for 10-15 minutes longer during the pre-boiling stage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Marinating Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Protein: 35g per serving
Sodium: 600mg per serving

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use frozen octopus for this recipe?
Yes, frozen octopus is actually a great option. Freezing helps to tenderize the meat. Just be sure to thaw it fully before boiling.

Q2: How can I tell if the octopus is properly cooked during the pre-boil stage?
The octopus is done when you can easily pierce it with a fork. If there’s any resistance, let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Q3: What other seasonings can I add to the marinade?
In addition to garlic and oregano, you can add spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes for heat.

Q4: How long can I keep the marinated octopus before grilling?
You can marinate the octopus for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.

Q5: What should I do with the leftover octopus?
Leftover grilled octopus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can add it to a seafood salad or use it as a topping for pasta.

Conclusion:

Greek grilled octopus is a delightful dish that combines tender, flavorful seafood with the zesty tang of lemon and garlic. This simple recipe offers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite and is perfect for a summer cookout or a special family dinner. The key to success lies in slow-cooking the octopus to ensure tenderness before grilling it to achieve the ideal charred texture. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers. Serve it alongside fresh sides, and you have a complete, balanced meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious.