Go Back
–+ servings
Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus

Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus

Discover the irresistible flavors of Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus. Perfectly grilled and bursting with zesty marinade, this dish is a Mediterranean must-try.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Marinating Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2000 g baby octopus, cleaned
  • 4000 ml water
  • 1 onion, halved
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns or ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 sprigs parsley with leaves
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest zest of one large lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried red chili flakes optional
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 2 tsp finely chopped parsley optional
  • 1 large red chili, thinly sliced optional
  • for serving lemon wedges

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Prepare the cooking liquid by combining water, onion, crushed garlic, peppercorns, salt, lemon juice, parsley, and bay leaves in a large pot and bring it to a boil.
  2. Gently add the baby octopus to the boiling liquid and lower the heat to simmer for about one hour, checking for tenderness.
  3. Carefully drain the octopus and discard the bay leaves and onion, then test for tenderness and pat them dry.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, chopped garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to create the marinade, then coat the octopus and refrigerate overnight.
  5. Heat a grill pan or skillet, add canola oil, and grill the marinated octopus for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve arranged on a plate, drizzled with leftover marinade and garnished with parsley, chili slices, and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Don’t rush the simmering step; it's crucial for achieving tender octopus. For optimal flavor, massage the marinade into the octopus occasionally during the marination period. Leftover octopus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for a month. Feel free to customize the flavor with a splash of ouzo or white wine during cooking for an extra twist.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!