Greek cuisine is known for its delicious and flavorful dishes, and one of the most iconic dishes is the Greek-style octopus. This seafood delicacy is usually enjoyed as a meze (appetizer) or a main course and is a must-try for seafood lovers. In this article, we will share with you a professional, well-organized, and easy-to-follow recipe for Greek-style octopus that will transport you to the beautiful shores of Greece.
Clean the octopus: Start by cleaning the octopus thoroughly. Rinse it under cold water and remove any excess ink, beak, and innards. Cut off the head and discard it.
Tenderize the octopus: To ensure a tender and flavorful octopus, you need to tenderize it. You can do this by either freezing it for a few days or by hitting it with a mallet. If you're using the mallet method, make sure to hit the octopus on a hard surface for about 15 minutes.
Boil the octopus: In a large pot, add the octopus, lemon wedges, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the octopus. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until the octopus is tender. You can check its tenderness by piercing it with a fork.
Make the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, water, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the octopus: Once the octopus is tender, remove it from the pot and place it in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over it and make sure it's evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Grill the octopus: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the octopus from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it gets a nice char and is heated through.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the grilled octopus into bite-sized pieces and serve it with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of oregano for garnish. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of Greek salad and a glass of white wine.
This Greek-style octopus recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor. The tender and juicy octopus is perfectly balanced with the tangy and herb-infused marinade. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own. So next time you're craving seafood, give this recipe a try and transport yourself to Greece with every bite.
