Dive into the Depths of Flavor with Charred Grilled Octopus
Seafood lovers, brace yourselves for a culinary journey under the sea with this tantalizing recipe for Charred Grilled Octopus! Whether you’re planning a sophisticated dinner party or simply want to elevate your weeknight meal repertoire, this dish promises to deliver complex flavors and a show-stopping presentation.
Ingredients
- Octopuses: 2 small to medium-sized
- For the Boil:
- Water: 6 cups
- Onion: 1, halved
- Lemon: 4 slices
- Peppercorns: 1 tablespoon
- Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh Herbs: 1 cup (choose a mix of your favorites)
- Bay Leaves: 2
Marinade
- Olive Oil: 1 cup (Mina Moroccan preferred for its robust flavor)
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Mixed Herbs: 1/2 cup, minced (combination of oregano, thyme, dill, parsley, and rosemary)
- Jalapeño: 1, minced
- Salt and Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each
Directions
- Prepare the Octopus:
- In a large pot, bring the water, onion, lemon slices, peppercorns, sea salt, herbs, and bay leaves to a boil.
- Carefully lower the octopus tentacles into the boiling water until they curl, then submerge the entire octopus.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the octopus is tender—this should take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
- Marinating:
- Once cooked, remove the octopus, let it cool slightly, then slice the tentacles into strips.
- In a shallow dish, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the octopus strips, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Grilling:
- Heat your grill. Place the marinated tentacles on the grill, flipping every 3 minutes until charred to perfection. Brush with additional marinade during grilling for extra flavor.
- Serve: Dish out the grilled octopus immediately, perhaps with a side of light salad or crispy potatoes.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Servings: 4
This Charred Grilled Octopus recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that blends the rustic charm of grilled seafood with the refined elegance of Mediterranean flavors. The key to perfection is in the tenderness of the octopus and the aromatic char from the grill. Enjoy this dish with a chilled glass of white wine or a crisp rosé to truly capture the essence of a seaside feast. Dive in and let every bite take you closer to the ocean’s depths!
Charred Grilled Octopus
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Grilled octopus is a culinary delight that combines the tender, succulent textures of the sea with the smoky, charred notes of the grill. This recipe infuses the octopus with a blend of fresh herbs and aromatic spices, marinated to enhance its natural flavors before being charred to perfection.
Each bite offers a burst of flavor, complemented by the subtle tang of lemon and the earthiness of herbs. It’s not just a dish but an experience that transcends the ordinary, ideal for those who cherish the art of grilling and the joy of a meal shared with friends under the open sky.
Ingredients
2 small to medium-sized octopuses
6 cups water
1 onion, halved
4 slices lemon
1 tablespoon peppercorns
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup fresh herbs (combination of your choice)
2 bay leaves
Marinade:
1 cup olive oil (Mina Moroccan preferred)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, dill, parsley, and rosemary), minced
1 jalapeño, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the octopus by bringing water, onion, lemon slices, peppercorns, sea salt, herbs, and bay leaves to a boil.
Once boiling, gently drop the octopus tentacles first until they curl, then submerge the whole octopus.
Reduce heat to low and simmer until the octopus is tender, about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Remove the octopus, cool slightly, and slice tentacles into strips.
Combine all marinade ingredients in a shallow dish.
Add the octopus strips to the marinade, toss to coat well, and marinate for 1 hour to overnight.
Preheat a grill. Grill the tentacles, flipping every 3 minutes, until charred. Brush with marinade while grilling.
Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes | Kcal: 320 | Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal