Grilled Octopus with Mediterranean Flavors

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) octopus 2 pounds (900g) octopus
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

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 pot of boiling water, cook the octopus for 30 minutes until tender. Drain and let it cool.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, 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 1 hour, or overnight for more intense flavors.
5. 5.
   Remove the octopus from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until it develops a charred crust.
6. 6.
   Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining marinade. Serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Octopus — To tenderize the octopus, you can either freeze it overnight before cooking or use a meat tenderizer to soften the flesh.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of minced garlic in the marinade.
• For added smokiness, you can use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.
• Make sure to preheat the grill properly to ensure even cooking and a nice char on the octopus.
• Serve the grilled octopus with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Leftover grilled octopus can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Octopus with Mediterranean Flavors as a main course, accompanied by roasted potatoes and a refreshing salad. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an attractive presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled octopus on a platter, drizzle it with the remaining marinade, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a vibrant and appetizing presentation. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and a colorful salad to create an enticing and well-balanced plate.