Welcome, come in and have a seat because today at Paulina Cocina we have a recipe for those who love seafood and for those who want to immerse themselves in that world: grilled octopus .
One of the unique features of octopus cooked this way is that it can be served as an appetizer or main course, but it can also be used as a base for other recipes. Another advantage is that the entire animal is used, both the body and the tentacles.
The recipe is very easy and quick; the only thing it requires is that it's thoroughly cleaned before cooking and then cooked properly. We'll help you with that in this post, so you can have grilled octopus .
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Grilled octopus, a classic of Mediterranean culture
Grilled octopus is especially popular in Mediterranean , such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. In these areas, octopus is a common ingredient in traditional cuisine and is enjoyed in a variety of ways, with grilling or griddling being among the most popular.
Grilled octopus, being a low-fat, high-protein, and flavorful option, aligns perfectly with the principles of the Mediterranean diet. Furthermore, regular seafood consumption has been associated with health benefits.
The popularity of grilled octopus has spread internationally. In many seafood restaurants around the world, this preparation is featured on menus as a delicious and healthy option.
How to properly prepare octopus before grilling
If you have a fresh octopus, be sure to clean it well before cooking . Remove the internal organs and ink sac, if still present. Then, rinse the octopus under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Fresh octopus can be quite tough, so it's advisable to tenderize it before cooking . This can be done in two ways:
- Freezing : Place the octopus in a plastic bag and freeze for at least 24 hours. Defrost completely before cooking.
- Pounding : Hitting the octopus against a hard surface for a few minutes. This helps break down the muscle fibers and soften the texture.
If you want to add more flavor to the octopus, add chopped garlic, paprika, lemon, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro during cooking. You can also marinate the octopus ahead of time in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices of your choice.
5 sauce options for grilled octopus
- Lemon and Garlic Sauce: Mix fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. This sauce enhances the octopus's flavor and adds a citrusy and aromatic touch.
- Paprika Sauce: Combine olive oil, sweet or smoked paprika, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This intensely flavorful sauce complements grilled octopus perfectly.
- Chimichurri Sauce: Prepare a chimichurri by mixing chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This Argentine sauce gives octopus a fresh, herbal touch.
- Olive Oil and Herb Sauce: Mix olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped fresh mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This herb sauce enhances the octopus's flavor and adds freshness.
- Yellow Chili Sauce: Prepare a spicy and flavorful sauce by mixing yellow chili pepper (previously cooked or in paste form), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This Peruvian sauce adds a spicy and vibrant touch to grilled octopus.
Making the most of everything: grilled octopus leg
Octopus legs can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, broiling, boiling, roasting, or stewing. Octopus leg meat is firm and elastic when cooked properly, with a chewy, juicy texture.
The flavor of octopus leg is delicate and marine, with a slight sweetness. The meat tends to absorb the flavors of the seasonings and sauces used during cooking, giving it an added touch of flavor.
Octopus legs are used in a variety of dishes and recipes across the world. They are a key ingredient in traditional dishes such as Pulpo a la Gallega in Spain, takoyaki in Japan, and polvo à lagareiro in Portugal. They can also be added to salads, pasta, rice dishes, and ceviche , among others.
Grilled octopus recipe
Grilled octopus can be enjoyed as a main dish, either on its own or accompanied by sauces like the ones we suggested above and side dishes. In this case, we're going to make a delicious grilled octopus with potatoes.
Yield : 4 portions
Preparation time : 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 octopus (approximately 1 kg)
- 4 medium potatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon
How to make grilled octopus with potatoes
- Clean and tenderize the octopus thoroughly. Remember that this is very important for the success of this recipe. Pat it dry with kitchen paper and brush with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick slices. Cook them in salted water. When they are tender, drain and set aside.
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Place the octopus on the griddle and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until tender and golden brown. Avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
- Add the cooked potatoes to the grill and cook them together with the octopus for 1-2 minutes, turning them occasionally, so that they brown slightly.
- Remove the octopus and potatoes from the grill. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and squeeze a little lemon over the octopus before serving.
