Grilled Octopus with Middle Eastern Flavors

Recipe

Grilled Octopus with Middle Eastern Flavors

Savor the Sea: Grilled Octopus with a Syrian Jewish Twist

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing recipe for Grilled Octopus with Middle Eastern Flavors. Inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of Syrian Jewish cuisine, this dish combines tender grilled octopus with aromatic spices and herbs, creating a delightful fusion of Greek and Middle Eastern influences.

Jan Dec
Seafood› Mollusk Dish› Octopus Dish› Chtapodi sti schara
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine
Asian cuisine› Arab cuisine› Levantine cuisine› Syrian cuisine› Syrian Jewish cuisine

Preparation time

40 minutes

Cooking time

8 minutes

Total time

48 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

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

Allergens

Seafood

Not suitable for

Vegan diet, Vegetarian diet, Kosher diet, Halal diet, Nut-free diet

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Greek dish "Chtapodi sti schara" to Syrian Jewish cuisine, we incorporate the distinct flavors and spices commonly found in Middle Eastern cooking. The original Greek recipe typically uses oregano and lemon as the primary seasonings, while our version includes cumin and paprika to infuse the octopus with a Middle Eastern flair. Additionally, we garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, which are commonly used in Syrian Jewish cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Chtapodi sti schara, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. 2.
    In a large pot of boiling water, cook the octopus for 30-40 minutes until tender. Drain and let it cool.
  3. 3.
    In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4.
    Place the cooked octopus in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. 5.
    Remove the octopus from the marinade and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and heated through.
  6. 6.
    Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley and mint.
  7. 7.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Octopus — To tenderize the octopus, you can either simmer it in water with a cork or add a tablespoon of vinegar to the boiling water. This will help to achieve a tender texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • If fresh octopus is not available, you can use frozen octopus. Thaw it completely before cooking.
  • For added flavor, you can sprinkle some sumac or za'atar spice blend over the grilled octopus before serving.
  • Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
  • Leftover grilled octopus can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Octopus with Middle Eastern Flavors as a main course alongside a fresh salad of mixed greens and roasted vegetables. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the salad for a light and refreshing dressing.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled octopus on a platter, garnishing it with a sprinkle of paprika and a few lemon wedges. Place a small bowl of tzatziki sauce or tahini dip on the side for dipping.

More recipes...