Description
This grilled octopus recipe features a tantalizing blend of smoky paprika and bright lemon, resulting in perfectly charred edges and a tender bite. It’s a surprisingly easy way to bring a restaurant-quality seafood experience to your home, perfect for adventurous families or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1–2 lbs (450-900g) octopus, fresh or frozen
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 large fresh lemon, for juice and zest
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cork (optional)
- Pinch salt
- Pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Prep and Boil Octopus: Clean fresh octopus thoroughly under cold water, removing any eyes or beak. In a large stock pot, boil octopus in salted water with a bay leaf and a cork for 45-60 minutes until very tender (a knife should slide through easily). Drain and let cool slightly, then cut into manageable pieces about 2-3 inches long.
- Marinate Octopus: In a bowl, toss the cooked octopus pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Ensure every piece is coated evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.
- Grill Octopus: Preheat your grill to medium-high (approx. 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the marinated octopus on the hot grill. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred and slightly crispy with beautiful grill marks.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the charred octopus from the grill. Drizzle generously with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with the chopped fresh herbs.
Notes
For perfectly tender octopus, ensure it’s boiled until a knife slides through easily. Using fresh lemon juice and good quality smoked paprika truly elevates the flavor. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113 g)
- Calories: 210 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: grilled octopus, smoked paprika, lemon, seafood, easy recipe, healthy, Mediterranean, high-protein, gluten-free, dairy-free