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Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe – tender, lightly seasoned and charred octopus that tastes amazing!
Grilled octopus, made at home, can it get any better?
Ordering octopus at a restaurant could be pricey.
I don’t mind paying for a nicely cooked octopus, but at times, let’s say often times is could be undercooked and chewy.
That’s why, I learned how to make it at home.
I’m excited to share this Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe with you today.
And it is so easy. I can’t believe it.
This easy grilled octopus recipe is perfect for an appetizer with a glass of chilled white wine.
Great for summer.
My whole family loves this recipe and it is so simple, but flavorful and delicious.
How to make this Easy Grilled Octopus?
This is the way I like to prepare octopus of any size baby, medium or large.
- I always boil it first, then let it cool down to room temperature and quickly grill it, so it gets a nice char.
- Then I season it with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dried oregano, fresh parsley and garlic (optional).
- After grilling you can use a mix of your favorite spices, if the ones I’m suggesting don’t sound good to you.
Why make octopus at home?
I know it could be intimidating to try cooking octopus at home, but believe me it is so easy!
You’ll definitely impress your guests of you offer some charred octopus at your next party.
Since a good octopus dish, means tender octopus, you do need to boil it first.
What size octopus to use when making it on the grill?
This time I used medium sized octopus (they sold it to me for “baby”, but it was way bigger than baby octopus).
It was fresh, I don’t really enjoy cooking frozen seafood…
I cut the heads and removed the beak, it is in between all the legs, on the inside.
How long to boil octopus?
Boiled it for 40-45 minutes. Then I let it rest for 30 minutes.
You can let it sit in the fridge overnight or even freeze it for up to 1 month.
While the octopus was resting at room temperature, I drizzled some olive oil over it and added some chopped garlic, so it can get some seasoning, before grilling.
I cut its tentacles and grilled it over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
Then I added some seasoning and served it.
If you are cooking for a crowd, I recommend cooking 1 pound of octopus per person.
If you like octopus and are curious to try and make it yourself, you should definitely try this grilling recipe.
Or I also have an easy pesto shrimp skewers recipe, also made on the grill, great for a seafood feast.
Do you love seafood?
Other Seafood Recipes:
EASY GRILLED OCTOPUS RECIPE
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh octopus, (baby, medium or large)
- olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, , roughly chopped
- Juice from 1 lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Place octopus in a pot and cover with enough water. Bring to a boil. Boil for 40 minutes.
- Remove octopus from hot water, rinse and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and add chopped garlic. Let is cool and rest at room temperature, for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice octopus tentacles. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until charred.
- Remove from heat and place in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle some oregano (optional) and parsley on top. You can also add some chopped garlic, too (optional).
- Serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have never worked with octopus at home before!!!! I love the recipe! this looks amazing!!!
Thanks Alice! I’ve tried many times, but it was either too dry or gummy! This method of cooking worked 🙂
Oh what a great idea, Mira! My husband and I often order octopus for an appetizer, but I never thought to make it at home! I’m loving this version…so easy!
Looks absolutely delicious. Huge huge fan of octopus but rarely get a chance to eat it. Love your website.
Thanks Chris!!!
Octopus is one of my favorites!!! Thanks for sharing! <3 –
My husband loves octopus…I guess I’d better learn how to make it for him! Thanks for your recipe!
I’ve never made octopus before and I love that you grilled it! Stunning photos, Mira!
I have never grilled octopus & not sure I would try it. But, my brother loves it. I’ll have to send him a link to your recipe. Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight Party. Pinned & shared.
Wondering where my best chance to get fresh octopus would be. I live in South Florida and the best local seafood monge r only has frozen.Â
Hi Karen, I get them from a local fish marker, I have no idea where they ship them from, but I can ask, I’m in Chicago.
Do you cover the pot when  you boil it ?
No, I don’t cover it
Captain Clay’s Fish Market in Delray is fantastic fish monger. Â That’s were I got mine. Â All octopus comes frozen.
Even if you buy an octopus freshly caught, it is best to freeze it for a couple of days before eating it. The freezing process breaks down the fibers inside the octopus, making it more tender and easier to cook, and giving it the best texture.
Yes, frozen is more tender. It is hard to ind unfrozen these dsys.
Tried this “easy” octopus recipe after catching one by accident. Turned out great but I used a grilling tray because i was afraid it would fall between grates. It did not char as much but the family gulped it down.
Thanks Paul! Yes, depending on the grill, there is a possibility to fall between the grates. I’m glad you liked it 🙂
I was not able to get fresh, only frozen Octopus. Should I let it thaw first before putting it in the the water to boil, or can I put it in still frozen?
Hi Mary, Yes, definitely thaw it first, then boil, then grill it.