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5.0 from 6 votes

Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe with Lemon (Greek Style)

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.

Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 334 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek

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

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to a high heat. You want nice, hot grates to ensure the octopus gets a good sear.
  4. 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. 
  5. Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Drizzle the lemon dressing over the grilled octopus while it's still warm.
  7. 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

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

% 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.