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Simple Greek Grilled Octopus: A Mediterranean Delight


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

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

  1. Thaw if Frozen: If using frozen octopus, ensure it is fully thawed. Rinse the octopus under cold running water to clean it.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. 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

  1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Octopus

  1. 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

  1. 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