Simple Greek Grilled Octopus Recipe

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Step 1: Prepare the Octopus

  1. Clean the Octopus:
    • If your octopus is not pre-cleaned, rinse it under cold water. Remove the beak and the ink sac from the center of the head. If using frozen octopus, thaw it completely and rinse.
  2. Tenderize the Octopus:
    • To ensure tender octopus, you can gently pound it with a meat mallet or the side of a heavy knife. Alternatively, you can simmer it briefly to tenderize (see note below).

Step 2: Marinate the Octopus

  1. Prepare Marinade:
    • In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh or dried oregano, paprika, smoked paprika (if using), sea salt, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate:
    • Add the cleaned octopus to the marinade, making sure it is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 3: Grill the Octopus

  1. Preheat Grill:
    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and ashy. For gas grills, preheat for about 10 minutes.
  2. Grill:
    • Remove the octopus from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the octopus on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the octopus is charred and has grill marks. The total cooking time should be around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the octopus and the heat of the grill.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Slice and Garnish:
    • Once grilled, let the octopus rest for a few minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges.
  2. Serve:
    • Serve the grilled octopus warm. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or a side of grilled vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Greek Grilled Octopus

  • Tenderizing: If you’re concerned about the octopus being tough, a quick simmering method can help. Boil the octopus in a large pot of water for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender, then marinate and grill as described.
  • Grill Marks: To get nice grill marks and avoid sticking, ensure the grill grates are well-oiled and preheated.
  • Marination: For best results, allow the octopus to marinate for several hours to fully absorb the flavors.

Conclusion

Simple Greek Grilled Octopus is a flavorful and impressive dish that highlights the natural taste of the octopus with a zesty, Mediterranean twist. By following this recipe, you can create a deliciously grilled octopus that’s tender, smoky, and full of flavor. Enjoy it as part of a larger Mediterranean feast or as a standalone appetizer. Bon appétit!

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