Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh or frozen octopus, cleaned
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Octopus
- Thaw if Frozen: If using frozen octopus, ensure it is fully thawed. Rinse the octopus under cold running water to clean it.
- Tenderize: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the octopus and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 45-60 minutes or until tender. To check tenderness, pierce the octopus with a fork—it should slide in effortlessly.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the octopus from the boiling water and let it cool slightly. Cut into large pieces, separating the tentacles from the body.
Step 2: Marinate the Octopus
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate: Toss the cooked octopus pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Octopus
- Char the Octopus: Place the marinated octopus pieces directly on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once. Look for a slight char and crispy edges.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the Octopus: Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra olive oil, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
COOKING Note
- Boiling is Key: Tenderizing the octopus through boiling is essential for a soft and juicy texture. Avoid skipping this step.
- Avoid Over-Grilling: Overcooking can make the octopus chewy. Grill just enough to get the desired char.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour (boiling) + 6-8 minutes (grilling)
Nutrition
- Calories: 240 per serving
- Sodium: 380mg
- Protein: 28g