Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe with Lemon (Greek Style)
User Reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
1 hr
-
Cook Time
mins
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
334 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe with Lemon (Greek Style)
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Master the art of preparing grilled octopus with this straightforward Greek-style recipe. Explore key techniques for achieving tender and flavorful octopus, complemented by a zesty lemon dressing.
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Ingredients
For the Octopus:
- 2-3 pounds fresh octopus cleaned (you can use just the tentacles or use a whole octopus)
- 1 onion quartered
- 1 lemon halved
- 2 bay leaves
- salt to taste
For Grilling:
- olive oil
- Optional: thick lemon slices for grilling and serving
For the Lemon Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for serving
- optional toppings not traditional: feta cheese and kalamata olives
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Instructions
- Prepare the Octopus: (if frozen- thaw in the fridge overnight). Place octopus in a large pot with the lemon halves, onion, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt. Cover it with enough water to cover it and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the octopus is tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time might vary depending on the size of the octopus.
- Clean Octopus: Remove the octopus from the pot and let it cool. Once it's cool enough to handle, you can remove the skin if you prefer, though it’s edible and adds flavor.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to a high heat. You want nice, hot grates to ensure the octopus gets a good sear.
- Grill the Octopus: Toss the cooled octopus with a little olive oil and season with salt. Place the octopus on the grill, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until charred and crispy. Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter.
- Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the lemon dressing over the grilled octopus while it's still warm.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or oregano.
Notes
- Tips
- Boil Before Grilling: Always simmer the octopus in a pot with some aromatics (like onion, lemon, and bay leaves) until it's tender. This can take about 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the octopus. Tenderizing it before grilling is crucial to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Pre-Grill Seasoning: Marinate or Oil: Lightly coat the octopus with olive oil and season it with salt before grilling. This helps get a good char and enhances the flavor.
- Use a Hot Grill: Make sure the grill is very hot before you add the octopus. A high temperature is essential for a nice sear that locks in flavors and creates a pleasing texture.
- Avoid Overcooking on the Grill: Grill each side for just a few minutes. Octopus needs only a short time on high heat to crisp up without becoming tough.
- Lemon Juice Is Key: Always finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a vinaigrette. The acidity will balance the octopus’s richness and elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Let it Rest: Allow the grilled octopus to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
334kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
13g
(4%)
Protein
35g
(70%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
Cholesterol
109mg
(36%)
Sodium
524mg
(22%)
Potassium
913mg
(26%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
393IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
30mg
(33%)
Calcium
177mg
(18%)
Iron
13mg
(72%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 334 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 334kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 524mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 913mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 393IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 177mg | 18% |
| Iron | 13mg | 72% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
6 reviews
Excellent
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