WOULD YOU EAT THIS SIMPLE GREEK GRILLED OCTOPUS

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Octopus:

Start by preparing the octopus. If you’ve bought it fresh, make sure to clean it. Typically, octopus is already cleaned and ready to cook when purchased from the market. If not, you’ll need to remove the beak, eyes, and innards. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly under cold water.

If you have frozen octopus, it’s actually a great option! Freezing the octopus helps to break down its fibers, making it more tender when cooked. Just allow it to thaw before cooking.

2. Tenderize the Octopus:

To achieve tender, melt-in-your-mouth octopus, it’s essential to tenderize it before grilling. There are a few methods to do this:

• Simmering: In a large pot of water, bring the octopus to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the octopus is tender when pierced with a fork. Once tender, remove the octopus from the water and allow it to cool slightly. You can discard the cooking water or use it for a flavorful seafood broth.
• Freezing and Thawing: If you’ve purchased fresh octopus, freezing it overnight before cooking can also help break down the tough fibers, making it more tender.

3. Marinate the Octopus:

Once the octopus has cooled, prepare a marinade. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and rub this marinade generously all over the octopus, making sure it’s well-coated. Let the octopus marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. If you have the time, marinate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply.

4. Grill the Octopus:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Place the marinated octopus on the grill, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you achieve a nice char and grill marks. The goal is to get a smoky, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. If using a grill pan, you may want to cook the octopus in batches to avoid overcrowding.

As it grills, you’ll notice the octopus changing color and the tentacles curling up slightly—this is a good sign that it’s cooking properly.

5. Serve the Octopus:

Once grilled to perfection, remove the octopus from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the octopus into bite-sized pieces, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the octopus before eating. For an authentic Greek experience, pair your grilled octopus with a fresh salad, some warm pita bread, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Octopus

• Don’t Overcook: One of the most important things when grilling octopus is to avoid overcooking it. Overcooked octopus becomes tough and rubbery, so be mindful of your grilling time.
• Smoking the Octopus: For extra flavor, you can smoke the octopus on the grill for a few minutes before finishing it off with direct heat. This adds a wonderful smoky aroma.
• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the overall taste and give the dish a luxurious finish.

Conclusion

Grilled octopus is a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of Greek Mediterranean cuisine. With its tender texture, smoky char, and zesty marinade, it’s a dish that’s both exciting and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or a curious foodie looking to try something new, this Simple Greek Grilled Octopus recipe is the perfect way to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.

So, would you eat this? If you’re up for a culinary adventure, the answer is undoubtedly yes! Give it a try and let the flavors of Greece tantalize your taste buds.