Crispy Fried Baby Octopus

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) baby octopus 500g (1.1 lb) baby octopus
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
• Sea salt, for garnish Sea salt, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the baby octopus by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water and removing any beaks or innards.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Pat dry the baby octopus with paper towels and place them in a separate bowl.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the flour mixture over the octopus and toss gently to coat them evenly.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Carefully add the coated baby octopus to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried octopus from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Crispy Fried Baby Octopus hot, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the octopus. Sprinkle with sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Baby Octopus — Ensure that the baby octopus is cleaned thoroughly, removing any beaks or innards, before marinating and coating them. This will ensure a pleasant texture and taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• Serve the Crispy Fried Baby Octopus with a side of aioli or spicy tomato sauce for dipping.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the coated octopus in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes until crispy.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Fried Baby Octopus as a tapas dish or appetizer. Arrange the octopus on a platter and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of sea salt. Provide toothpicks or small forks for easy serving.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the Crispy Fried Baby Octopus on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or arugula. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the octopus for a glossy finish. Serve on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant Spanish-inspired ceramic plate.