Greek Octopus Recipe by Chef Anthony Theocaropoulos
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek, Portuguese
Greek Octopus Recipe by Chef Anthony Theocaropoulos
Description
The recipe for Greek Octopus by Chef Anthony Theocaropoulos starts with boiling an octopus submerged in a seasoned broth composed of soy sauce, cilantro, cardamom, and coriander. After a brief boil, it is simmered for 45 minutes to an hour to achieve tender meat. Following refrigeration, the octopus is portioned into tentacles for serving. The lemon gel is crafted by simmering lemon zest, juice, sugar, water, and agar-agar, then blending until smooth, providing a piquant, gelled accompaniment. The watercress pesto combines fresh watercress, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil blended to a smooth texture, adding a peppery, herbaceous element to the dish.
The dish balances the umami and soy-based cooking liquid with fresh citrus and herbal components from the lemon gel and pesto. The tender octopus works well as a centerpiece for a refined seafood course.
This recipe includes a careful layering of ingredients for complexity, offering contrasts between tender, cooked octopus and fresh, bright garnishes.
Ingredients
Octopus:
- 1 octopus
- 1 quart soy sauce
- 2 cilantro bunches
- 2 ounce cardamom
- 2 ounce Coriander
Lemon gel:
- 5 lemon zest
- 5 lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 fluid ounce water
- 1 tablespoon agar-agar
Watercress pesto:
- 1 watercress bunch
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- 1 clove garlic
- 8 floz olive oil until correct texture
Instructions
Octopus
- Bring all ingredients together in a large pot until you have a rolling boil.
- Submerge octopus and continue to boil for 3 minutes.
- Lower heat to a slow simmer and continue to cook for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on size.
- Remove and refrigerate.
- Cut tentacles off body and set aside.
To Finish/Garnish/ServeLemon Gel
- Heat lemon zest, lemon, sugar, water to a simmer.
- Whisk in agar-agar and continue to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Leave to cool, then afterwards place in blender and blend until smooth.
Watercress Pesto
- Blend all ingredients together.
Notes
- This recipe involves simmering the octopus until tender, which may take 45 minutes to an hour depending on size.
- The lemon gel should be cooled and blended for smoothness before serving.
- The watercress pesto complements the octopus with fresh herbal flavor and should be made by blending all ingredients until the desired texture is reached.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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