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Grilled Octopus Delight

Grilled Octopus Delight

Discover the magic of Grilled Octopus Delight with zesty Nuoc Cham sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings, this recipe combines bold flavors and tender seafood for an unforgettable dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 900 g small cleaned octopuses (without heads)
  • 1 lemon (juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 60 ml olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil (for Nuoc Cham sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 juice lime
  • 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (red chili paste)
  • 60 ml fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
  • 60 ml fresh mint (finely chopped)
  • 1 large shallot (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (for Nuoc Cham sauce)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 pinch kosher salt (for Nuoc Cham sauce)
  • q.s. Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowls

Method
 

  1. Bring 1.25 liters of water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Turn off the heat and add the octopuses for exactly one minute, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the octopuses in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight.
  5. Heat your grill or grill pan on high and lightly grease it with oil.
  6. Remove the octopuses from the marinade, pat them dry, and grill for about five minutes per side until golden grill marks appear.
  7. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, sambal oelek, cilantro, mint, shallot, garlic, sugar, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
  8. Arrange the grilled octopuses on a platter, drizzle with Nuoc Cham sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 26gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For tenderness, freeze the octopuses before cooking to help break down fibers. Leftover grilled octopus can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated gently. The Nuoc Cham sauce keeps well for up to three weeks. Consider using fresh herbs as they greatly enhance the flavor of the Nuoc Cham sauce. Think about serving this dish on a rustic board and adding garnishes like lime wedges for added presentation.
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