15 Italian Grilled Octopus Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Italian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, hearty dishes, and fresh ingredients. One dish that perfectly encompasses these attributes is grilled octopus. This underrated seafood delicacy is a staple in Italian coastal towns and is a must-try for any seafood lover. Grilled octopus is not only delicious, but it also offers a unique and satisfying texture that will make you want to come back for more. In this article, we will share with you a professional and well-organized Italian grilled octopus recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Carrots, Celery, Medium Onion, Garlic
Grilled octopus is a delicious and unique dish that is perfect for any summer barbecue or dinner party. The tender and flavorful octopus pairs well with a variety of sides and sauces, making it a versatile and impressive dish to serve to your guests. Here are 20 different ways to prepare and serve grilled octopus that are sure to wow your taste buds.
2of 20
Easy Grilled Octopus
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Lemon, Salt, Pepper
If you're new to cooking octopus, this recipe is a great place to start. It requires minimal ingredients and is easy to prepare. Simply marinate the octopus in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling it to perfection. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped herbs for a simple yet delicious meal.
3of 20
Octopus Risotto
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Olive Oil, Fresh Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Bay
Risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that is elevated with the addition of grilled octopus. The tender and smoky octopus adds a delicious seafood flavor to the risotto, making it a perfect dish for any seafood lover. Top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a delicious and hearty meal.
4of 20
Linguine with Baby Octopus alla Luciana
Main Ingredients: Linguine, Baby Octopus, Tomato Passata, Cherry
This Italian-inspired dish combines tender baby octopus with linguine pasta in a rich tomato sauce. The octopus is first grilled to give it a smoky flavor, then simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of red wine. Serve over al dente linguine for a delicious and satisfying meal.
5of 20
Grilled Octopus with lemon & oregano
Main Ingredients: Octopus Tentacles, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemons
This simple yet flavorful recipe lets the natural flavors of the octopus shine through. The octopus is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil before being grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and healthy meal.
6of 20
Grilled Octopus over Grilled Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Octopuses, Fish, Garlic Cloves, Italian Parsley
This dish is perfect for those who love their vegetables as much as their seafood. The octopus is marinated in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before being grilled alongside an assortment of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a light and flavorful meal.
7of 20
Jjukkumi Gui (Spicy Grilled Baby Octopus)
Main Ingredients: Baby Octopus, Cucumber, Red Chili Pepper, Red Chili
If you're feeling adventurous, try this spicy Korean-inspired grilled octopus dish. The baby octopus is marinated in a spicy sauce made with Korean chili paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil before being grilled to perfection. Serve with steamed rice and some kimchi for a complete and flavorful meal.
8of 20
Grilled Octopus Appetizer
Main Ingredients: Octopus Tentacles, Chopped Fresh Parsley, Chopped Red
Looking for a unique and impressive appetizer to serve at your next party? Look no further than this grilled octopus dish. The octopus is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before being grilled and served with a tangy and spicy salsa. Your guests will be impressed by the flavor and presentation of this dish.
9of 20
Grilled Octopus Tacos Salsa
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Pineapple, Steaks, Avocado, Tortillas, Olive
Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and this grilled octopus version is no exception. The tender and smoky octopus is served in a warm tortilla with a flavorful salsa made with tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice. Add some avocado, cheese, and your favorite hot sauce for a delicious and unique taco experience.
10of 20
Balsamic Grilled Octopus With Polenta
Main Ingredients: Avocado, Heavy Cream, Octopus Tentacle, Balsamic Glaze
If you're looking for a more elegant and sophisticated way to serve grilled octopus, try this recipe that pairs it with creamy and rich polenta. The octopus is marinated in a balsamic vinegar and herb mixture before being grilled and served over a bed of creamy polenta. Top it off with a balsamic reduction and some fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy dish.
11of 20
Simple Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Parsley
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Salt, Olive Oil, Ground Black Pepper, Extra
This recipe is all about simplicity, letting the flavors of the octopus shine through. The octopus is marinated in a simple mixture of lemon juice, parsley, and olive oil before being grilled and served with a squeeze of fresh lemon. It's the perfect dish for a light and refreshing summer meal.
12of 20
Grilled Octopus with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Olive Oil, Fingerling Potatoes, Salad Greens
This dish combines tender grilled octopus with crispy and flavorful roasted fingerling potatoes for a satisfying and delicious meal. The octopus is first marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled and served over a bed of roasted potatoes. Top it off with some sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy finish.
13of 20
Pulpo Gallego, Spanish Octopus with Paprika
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Parsley, Fennel Bulb, Oregano, Green Onions
This Spanish-inspired dish is a classic way to prepare octopus. The octopus is first boiled until tender, then grilled and served with a simple but flavorful sauce made with olive oil, Spanish paprika, and garlic. Serve with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
14of 20
Seafood Spaghetti
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Water, California Bay Leaf, Juice, Tomatoes
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for seafood lovers. It combines grilled octopus with other seafood like shrimp and clams in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Serve over al dente spaghetti for a delicious and satisfying meal.
15of 20
Grilled Octopus Salad
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Orange Juiced, Lemon Juiced, Lime Juiced
This light and refreshing salad is a perfect way to enjoy grilled octopus on a hot summer day. The octopus is served over a bed of mixed greens and topped with a tangy and spicy dressing made with lime juice, honey, and chili paste. Add some sliced avocado for an extra creamy and satisfying touch.
16of 20
Grilled Octopus And White Gulf Shrimp With A...
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Garlic, Almonds, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This dish is an elegant and impressive way to serve grilled octopus. The octopus is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled and served alongside plump and juicy white gulf shrimp. Finish it off with a flavorful and creamy white wine sauce for a truly special meal.
17of 20
Grilled Baby Octopus with Nuoc Cham
Main Ingredients: Baby Octopus, Lemon, Garlic, Olive Oil, Red Pepper
This Vietnamese-inspired dish is full of bright and bold flavors. The baby octopus is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste before being grilled and served with a tangy and spicy nuoc cham dipping sauce. Serve with some steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
18of 20
Clayton's Octopus Salad
Main Ingredients: Octopus, Dry White Wine, Lemon, Garlic, Whole
This unique and flavorful salad is a great way to use leftover grilled octopus. The tender octopus is served over a bed of mixed greens with a tangy and creamy dressing made with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. Top it off with some shaved Parmesan cheese for an extra punch of flavor.
19of 20
Grilled Octopus Over Squid Ink Pasta And Tomato Garlic...
Main Ingredients: Baby Octopus, White Wine, Garlic Cloves, Oregano
This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The grilled octopus is served over black squid ink pasta and topped with a flavorful tomato and garlic sauce. The combination of flavors and colors makes for a truly impressive and satisfying meal.
20of 20
Chickpea Purée with Grilled Octopus, Mexican Chorizo...
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Ham Stock, Octopus, Mexican Style Chorizo
This dish showcases the versatility of grilled octopus by combining it with a variety of different flavors and textures. The tender octopus is served with a creamy chickpea puree, spicy Mexican chorizo, and tangy pickled vegetables. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy grilled octopus.
Ingredients:
1. Octopus:
Octopus is the star ingredient of this dish, so be sure to get the freshest and highest quality octopus you can find. Fresh octopus should have a mild, oceanic smell and a firm texture. You can either buy a whole octopus and clean it yourself or purchase pre-cleaned octopus from your local seafood market.
2. Olive Oil:
Olive oil is a crucial ingredient in Italian cuisine, and it adds a rich and luxurious flavor to the octopus. Look for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and quality.
3. Lemon:
Lemon adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish, balancing out the richness of the olive oil. You will need both the juice and zest of a lemon for this recipe.
4. Garlic:
Garlic is a staple in Italian cooking and adds a delicious savory note to the dish. Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
5. Fresh Herbs:
Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme add a pop of freshness and aroma to the dish. You can use a combination of herbs or stick to one, depending on your preference.
Method:
1. Preparation:
Start by cleaning the octopus if you bought a whole one. Remove the head, beak, and innards, and rinse the body under cold water. If using pre-cleaned octopus, rinse it under cold water to remove any excess slime. Then, using a sharp knife, score the octopus by cutting slits on the surface. This will help the heat penetrate the meat and make it tender.
2. Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Place the octopus in the bowl and coat it with the marinade, making sure to get it into the slits. Cover the bowl and let the octopus marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Grilling:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the octopus from the marinade and place it on the grill. Grill the octopus for about 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it is lightly charred and cooked through. The tentacles should curl up, and the meat should be tender.
4. Serving:
Once the octopus is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces and serve it with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Grilled octopus is best enjoyed hot off the grill, but it can also be served at room temperature.
In conclusion, this Italian grilled octopus recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers. With its bold flavors, tender texture, and simple preparation, it is the perfect dish to impress your friends and family at your next gathering. So, next time you're in the mood for a taste of Italy, give this recipe a try and transport your taste buds to the Italian coast. Buon appetito!