Tender, smoky, and charred grilled octopus, marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, served with fresh lemon wedges. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is packed with flavor, offering a balance of smokiness from the grill and freshness from the lemon and herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and flavorful – The slow simmering process ensures the octopus becomes tender before grilling.
- Smoky and charred – Grilling adds a crisp texture and a rich, smoky depth.
- Simple yet gourmet – Despite its elegant presentation, this dish is easy to prepare at home.
- Healthy and high in protein – Octopus is a lean seafood rich in protein, making it a nutritious meal option.
- Versatile serving options – Enjoy it as a main dish, appetizer, or part of a seafood platter.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs octopus, cleaned
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the octopus and simmer for 45-60 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool.
- Cut the octopus into tentacles and place them in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Pour over the octopus and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and crispy.
- Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add capers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle with spicy chili oil before serving.
- Herb Infusion: Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of oregano for a different herbal profile.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Toss the grilled octopus in melted garlic butter for a richer flavor.
- Asian Fusion: Replace the marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for an umami twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled octopus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Cooked octopus can be frozen in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the octopus on a grill or in a hot skillet for a few minutes to restore its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
How do I know when octopus is tender?
Octopus should be fork-tender after simmering. If it still feels tough, cook it for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Can I grill octopus without boiling it first?
Boiling ensures tenderness before grilling. Skipping this step may result in a tough texture.
What does grilled octopus taste like?
It has a mild, slightly sweet, and briny flavor with a tender yet slightly chewy texture.
Can I use frozen octopus?
Yes, frozen octopus works well. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I prevent octopus from becoming rubbery?
Slow cooking in simmering water before grilling helps prevent a tough and rubbery texture.
Can I cook octopus in advance?
Yes, you can boil and marinate it in advance, then grill it just before serving.
What can I serve with grilled octopus?
It pairs well with roasted potatoes, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables.
Do I need to remove the octopus skin?
No, the skin is edible and helps retain moisture while grilling.
Can I cook octopus in a cast-iron skillet instead of grilling?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works well for achieving a crispy, charred texture.
Is octopus healthy?
Yes, octopus is low in fat, high in protein, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Perfectly grilled octopus is a delicious, tender, and smoky seafood dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. With its Mediterranean flavors and charred texture, it makes a great appetizer or main course. Whether you enjoy it simply with lemon and herbs or add your own creative twist, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it for your next seafood feast!
O
PrintPerfectly Grilled Octopus
Tender, smoky, and charred to perfection, this grilled octopus is marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an irresistible Mediterranean flavor. Serve it with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish—perfect for a gourmet seafood dish at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs octopus, cleaned
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the octopus and simmer for 45-60 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool.
- Cut the octopus into tentacles and place them in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Pour over the octopus and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and crispy.
- Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- To enhance the flavor, let the octopus marinate longer (up to 2 hours).
- If using frozen octopus, thaw it completely before boiling.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, tzatziki, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.