Grilled Octopus

Tender grilled octopus drizzled with olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkling of parsley makes a superb seafood summer appetizer.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 384 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 wine cork
• 0.5 medium lemon
• 0.5 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 3.5 pounds octopus, head and beak removed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Step 2

Fill a large pot 1/2 full with water. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt, peppercorns, and the wine cork; bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 3

Grill octopus until charred on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Step 4

Remove from heat, slice into pieces, and place on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and squeeze lemon over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Step 5

Gather the ingredients.

Step 6

Meanwhile, place octopus on a cutting board. Using a wooden spoon or meat mallet, pound the octopus multiple times, starting in the middle and moving down each tentacle to tenderize.

Step 7

Dip tentacles into boiling water 3 times, holding them in the boiling water 2 to 3 seconds each time, until tentacles curl up. Submerge entire octopus in the boiling water. Bring water back to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until octopus is fork-tender, 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 30 minutes.