Spanish Octopus

In this octopus recipe, Chef John uses a braising method for tender results, then sears it to achieve the perfect texture on his Spanish octopus.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 513 Calories

Ingredients

• salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 1 (1 pound) piece Spanish octopus
• 0.5 cup white wine
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika
• .333 cup braising liquid

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Transfer octopus into braising liquid, turning to coat with the liquid. Cover; reduce heat to low. Simmer 20 minutes and turn octopus over. Continue cooking until octopus is tender, another 40 to 45 minutes.

Step 2

Remove from heat; transfer octopus to a large bowl. Pour braising liquid over octopus. Place bowl above a bowl of ice water to cool to room temperature.

Step 3

Cover bowl with plastic wrap when octopus and liquid are cool. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 4

Transfer octopus to a work surface and mop off braising juices with paper towels; remove as much of the purple skin as you want. Cut octopus into 3 or 4 serving-size pieces. Brush with olive oil.

Step 5

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. Transfer octopus pieces to grill. Cook until flesh is seared, almost charred, 3 or 4 minutes. Turn and cook other side until dark brown, caramelized, and heated through, another 3 or 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter.

Step 6

Slice octopus into fairly thick diagonal slices. Place on a serving dish. Spoon braising liquid mixture over the top. Dust with a bit of cayenne pepper, if desired.

Step 7

Place onion, garlic, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil into a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until onions start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add white wine to create the braising liquid. Bring to a simmer.

Step 8

Transfer braising liquid to saucepan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Strain out solids; transfer liquid to a mixing bowl; let cool about 10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper to make the serving sauce.