Description
Grilled octopus is a Mediterranean delicacy that brings out the natural flavors of seafood. This juicy grilled octopus recipe requires just 20 minutes of cooking time and a few simple ingredients. The result is perfectly charred, tender, and flavorful octopus that will impress at any meal. With olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers or anyone looking for a quick yet elegant meal. Whether you’re preparing a light dish or serving it as part of a larger Mediterranean feast, this grilled octopus recipe is simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Octopus:
- 1 lb octopus, cleaned
Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure the octopus cooks evenly and develops a nice char.
- Prepare the Octopus: Rub the cleaned octopus with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
- Grill the Octopus: Place the octopus on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. You want to achieve a nice char while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Be careful not to overcook it, as octopus can become rubbery if grilled for too long.
- Rest the Octopus: Once cooked, remove the octopus from the grill and let it rest for about 2 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it remains moist and tender.
- Finish with Flavor: Drizzle the grilled octopus with extra olive oil, sprinkle with minced garlic, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top to add a burst of citrus freshness that complements the grilled flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the grilled octopus with the lemon wedges on the side. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Cleaning the Octopus: Make sure the octopus is cleaned thoroughly before grilling. You can ask your fishmonger to clean it for you or clean it yourself by removing the beak and internal organs.
- Marinating for Extra Flavor: Marinate the octopus in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling. This will infuse the octopus with more flavor and help tenderize the meat.
- Don’t Overcook: Octopus should be grilled just enough to create a charred, crispy exterior while staying tender on the inside. Overcooking will make the texture rubbery.
- Toppings: For an added flavor boost, try serving the octopus with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Grilled Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
