Grilled Octopus

Elevate your summer grilling with this vibrant Grilled Octopus Delight, perfect for outdoor gatherings and seaside barbecues! Pair it with refreshing fruit juice ideas for a zesty twist or explore unique coffee drink variations to complement the meal. This dish is a standout at any occasion, and be sure to check out more flavorful inspirations from epiceats. GrilledOctopus SummerRecipes SeafoodLovers OutdoorCooking FlavorfulEats Foodie Epicurean

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Ingredients

1 large octopus (2-3 pounds)

1 cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 lemon, sliced (for grilling and garnish)

Instructions

Preparation of the Octopus:

- Begin by washing the octopus thoroughly under cold water. Remove the beak and any innards if still intact. If your octopus is frozen, thaw it completely before cooking.

Tenderizing:

- To tenderize the octopus, fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, immerse the octopus for 5 minutes and then remove it. This step helps to break down the fibers and ensure a tender result.

Marinade:

- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

- Add the octopus to the marinade, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Grilling:

- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to ash over until white.

- Remove the octopus from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the octopus on the grill, and grill for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until it has nice grill marks and is heated through. Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade for added flavor.

Serve:

- Once grilled, remove the octopus from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Cut the tentacles with scissors or a sharp knife into manageable pieces.

- Plate the octopus with grilled lemon slices on the side. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy:

- Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish with a side of mixed greens or a simple Greek salad. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added touch!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this flavorful grilled octopus recipe! 🌊✨