Grilled Octopus

Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herbs is an exquisite seafood dish that highlights the unique flavors and textures of octopus. This recipe offers a simple yet effective preparation method, requiring simmering before grilling, resulting in tender and succulent octopus pieces with a delightful citrus and herb-infused taste. Although the overall cooking time is around 1 ½ hours, the process is largely unattended, allowing for easy preparation ahead of time. This grilled octopus pairs beautifully with accompaniments like White Beans, Tuscan Style or Skordalia, making it an excellent addition to your dining repertoire. Whether you’re planning an impressive dinner party or a delightful family meal, Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herbs promises to impress your guests with its flavorful and captivating presentation.

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 1 ½ hours or more, largely unattended

INGREDIENTS:

• One 2- to 3-pound octopus, cleaned and rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or marjoram leaves or 1 teaspoon dried

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the cleaned and rinsed octopus with the lightly crushed garlic, bay leaf, and enough water to cover the octopus. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until the octopus is nearly tender. This process typically takes about 1 hour or more. To check for doneness, poke the octopus with a sharp, thin-bladed knife; if it enters fairly easily, the octopus is ready. Drain the octopus in a colander, discarding the liquid or reserving it for other culinary purposes, such as making a delicious risotto.
2. Cut the simmered octopus into large pieces. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill until it is quite hot, positioning the rack no more than 4 inches from the heat source.
3. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced fresh oregano or marjoram leaves (or dried herbs if using). This mixture will infuse the octopus with delightful citrus and herb flavors.
4. Brush the octopus pieces with the oil and lemon juice mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Grill the octopus quickly on all sides until they become slightly crisp, which typically takes about 10 minutes in total. As the octopus comes off the grill, brush them with a little more of the oil and lemon juice mixture, enhancing their flavors and adding a glossy appearance.
5. Serve the Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herbs immediately, either as a main dish or as part of a larger seafood feast. This dish pairs beautifully with accompaniments such as White Beans, Tuscan Style, or Skordalia, and is especially enjoyable with grilled bread and a fresh salad. Offer Garlic Mayonnaise at the table for dipping, elevating the dining experience with a touch of indulgence.

TIPS:

• Octopus requires gentle simmering before grilling, allowing for tender and succulent results. Although the overall cooking time is substantial, the process is largely unattended, making it a convenient option for preparing ahead of time.
• To achieve a slightly crisp texture, grill the octopus quickly on all sides, ensuring it doesn’t become overly cooked and tough.
• Embrace the versatility of Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Herbs, serving it as the star of a seafood feast or as an exceptional addition to your Mediterranean-inspired menu. The delightful combination of citrus, herbs, and perfectly grilled octopus promises to captivate your taste buds and create lasting culinary memories.