Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 1 large octopus (about 1-1.5 kg), cleaned
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. If not pre-cooked, you’ll need to tenderise the octopus. To do this, boil it in a large pot of salted water for about 45–60 minutes or until tender. If you have a frozen octopus, thaw it and cook as needed. Once tender, drain the octopus and let it cool slightly.
2. Tip: Ensure the octopus is well-drained before grilling to prevent flare-ups.
3. Preheat your asado grill to medium-high heat.
4. In a bowl, mix together the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Cut the octopus into manageable pieces if necessary. Toss the pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least 15–30 minutes.
6. Place the marinated octopus pieces on the grill. Grill for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until you achieve a nice char and the octopus is heated through. The octopus should have grill marks and a slight crispiness on the edges. Tip: We like to brush the octopus with additional olive oil during grilling.
7. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

This Easy Grilled Octopus Recipe is perfect for those wanting to try something new on the BBQ. With simple ingredients like lemon, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, this dish offers a beautiful balance of smoky and citrusy flavours that perfectly complement the tender meat of the octopus. Ideal for seafood lovers or those searching for Mediterranean BBQ recipes, it’s not only delicious but also a healthy choice, packed with protein and light flavours. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to add a unique seafood dish to your repertoire, this recipe makes the process of grilling octopus easy and accessible.