Grilled Octopus with Mediterranean Flavors

Recipe

Grilled Octopus with Mediterranean Flavors

Sizzling Sea Delight: Grilled Octopus with a Greek Twist

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine with this mouthwatering recipe for Grilled Octopus. Tender and succulent, this dish showcases the essence of Greek coastal cooking.

Jan Dec

40 minutes

10 minutes

50 minutes

4 servings

Medium

Mediterranean diet, Pescatarian diet, Gluten-free diet, Dairy-free diet, Low-carb diet

Seafood

Vegan diet, Vegetarian diet, Paleo diet, Keto diet, Nut-free diet

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat: 12g (2g saturated)
  • Carbohydrates: 5g (1g sugars)
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. 2.
    In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3.
    Add the octopus tentacles to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. 4.
    Remove the octopus from the marinade and place it on the preheated grill.
  5. 5.
    Grill the octopus for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is charred and cooked through.
  6. 6.
    Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
  7. 7.
    Slice the octopus tentacles into bite-sized pieces and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Octopus — To tenderize the octopus, you can either freeze it overnight or gently pound it with a meat mallet before marinating.

Tips & Tricks

  • To achieve a tender texture, avoid overcooking the octopus as it can become rubbery.
  • If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can increase the marinating time to a few hours or even overnight.
  • Serve the grilled octopus with a side of lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.
  • For added smokiness, you can use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.
  • If octopus is not readily available, you can substitute it with squid or even shrimp for a different twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Octopus as a main course alongside a fresh Greek salad and crusty bread. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or part of a mezze platter.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled octopus on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve it with lemon wedges on the side for a vibrant and inviting presentation.