Grilled Octopus
7 August, 2024
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Grilled octopus
Tenderized octopus tentacles grilled over an open flame or charcoal grill, often marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, and served as a standalone dish or in salads.
Ingredients
- 1 large octopus about 2-3 lbs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Octopus:
- Clean the Octopus: Rinse the octopus under cold water to remove any debris. Trim off the beak and eyes if they are still intact.
- Tenderize the Octopus: To tenderize the octopus, you can either:
- Freeze it overnight, then thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. Repeat this process twice to break down the tough fibers.
- Alternatively, you can pound the octopus with a meat mallet or the back of a knife to tenderize it.
- Cook the Octopus: In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the octopus for about 30-45 minutes, or until tender. You should be able to easily insert a fork into the thickest part of the tentacles. Be careful not to overcook, as the octopus can become rubbery.
Marinating and Grilling:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Marinate the Octopus: Once the octopus is cooked and cooled slightly, pat it dry with paper towels. Place the octopus in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat it evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
- Grill the Octopus: Remove the octopus from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the octopus directly onto the grill grates and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and heated through.
- Remove and Rest: Once grilled, transfer the octopus to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serving:
- Slice and Garnish: Slice the grilled octopus into bite-sized pieces. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the octopus.
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