Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe

5 from 18 votes

Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe

Grilled octopus boiled until tender, marinated in olive oil and garlic, then charred on a hot grill in minutes. The method I've made dozens of times after eating octopus all over Greece.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Greek

Keyword: octopus

Servings:

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

Optional to add to the pot for boiling octopus:

black pepper, lemon, onion, parsley, bay leaf

Instructions

Place octopus in a pot and cover with enough water. Add 10 black peppercorns, 1 sliced lemon, 1 small red or yellow onion, some parsley leaves, 1 bay leaf (optional). Bring to a boil. Boil for 40 minutes. The rule is 40–60 min, about 45 min per 2 lb.
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. Alternatively cook in a pan on the stove top.
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.

Video

Notes

Best size: Baby or medium octopus works best, but large can be used too.
How long to boil: Simmer for 40–60 minutes (about 45 minutes per 2 lbs). Test by inserting a fork where the head meets the tentacles. It should slide in and out easily.
Seasoning ideas: Drizzle with lemon juice (or vinegar), olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley. Other herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives work well too.
Serving suggestions: Pairs beautifully with crisp salads, feta cheese, olives, and capers.

Nutrition