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japanese grilled octopus
Sheila Browder

Japanese Grilled Octopus Recipe

Have you ever encountered a dish so flavorful, so utterly compelling, that it takes your taste buds on a journey?
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 394
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds fresh octopus baby, medium, or large
  • 1 tablespoon capers rinsed and chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. First, if you’ve purchased whole octopus, begin by cleaning it. Remove the beak and innards carefully. Rinse it under cold water to ensure it's clean.
  2. To tenderize the octopus, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a bit of vinegar and a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the octopus and reduce the heat. Simmer for about 45 minutes. This step guarantees a tender outcome.
  3. While the octopus cooks, combine the lemon juice, garlic, capers, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk in a few tablespoons of olive oil until everything is well combined.
  4. Once the octopus is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Cut it into smaller pieces (arms or body). Place the pieces into the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, longer is better.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated octopus on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for that beautiful char to form.
  6. Once grilled, remove the octopus from the grill. Sprinkle a little more chopped parsley over the top for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing.

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal

Notes

  • Choose fresh octopus: Always opt for the freshest octopus you can find. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
  • Give it time: The longer you marinate, the better the flavor. A few hours or even overnight can elevate the dish.
  • Keep the heat high: A hot grill helps achieve the perfect char quickly, preventing the octopus from drying out.
  • Don’t skip seasoning: A good sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the flavors so don't be shy!
  • Experiment with flavors: While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to add your own twist with spices or marinades.

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