The world of seafood is vast, but few dishes capture the essence of the Mediterranean like a perfectly grilled octopus. With its tender texture and rich flavor profile, this cephalopod delight has become a staple in many coastal cuisines. From Spain to Greece, Italy to Morocco, each culture has its own take on grilling octopus, often incorporating bold flavors and aromas that showcase the region’s unique character.
In this article, we’re excited to share 20 mouthwatering grilled octopus recipes that highlight the best of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking for inspiration, these succulent dishes will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean.
Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Olive Oil
Savor the tender and charred texture of grilled octopus paired with the brightness of lemon and richness of olive oil. This simple yet impressive dish is perfect for a summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and tentacle-removed octopus
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the octopus to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove the octopus from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and tender.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Butter Grilled Octopus
Savor the tender, smoky flavor of grilled octopus elevated by a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into tentacle pieces
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Brush both sides of the octopus pieces with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill octopus for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Grilled Octopus with Chili Flakes
Add a burst of flavor and heat to your outdoor gatherings with this simple yet impressive recipe. Succulent grilled octopus gets a kick from chili flakes, perfect for adventurous eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus tentacles
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chili flakes (adjust to desired level of heat)
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the octopus under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, and chili flakes.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the octopus.
5. Place the octopus on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and tender.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately with lemon wedges (if desired).
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Grilled Octopus and Potato Salad
Elevate your summer meals with this Mediterranean-inspired dish, featuring tender grilled octopus paired with a refreshing potato salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Add octopus pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill octopus for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, boil diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and let cool.
5. In a bowl, combine cooled potatoes with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve grilled octopus on top of potato salad, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Paprika Grilled Octopus
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this flavorful and tender grilled octopus recipe, infused with the deep, smoky flavor of paprika. Perfect for a summer evening or as an appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) octopus, cleaned and cut into tentacle-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
– 1 tsp (5g) smoky paprika
– 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoky paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the octopus pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Grill the octopus for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Grilled Octopus with Chimichurri Sauce
Grilled Octopus with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Summary: A flavorful and tender grilled octopus dish elevated by a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of cleaned and tentacle-free octopus, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chimichurri sauce (see below for recipe)
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the octopus pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove the octopus from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired tenderness.
6. Serve grilled octopus with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top and garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves.
Chimichurri Sauce Recipe:
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Honey Glazed Grilled Octopus
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish, perfect for a summer evening or special occasion. This recipe yields tender, caramelized octopus with a sticky honey glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cleaned and tentacle-free octopus
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the octopus with olive oil, then coat evenly with the honey glaze.
4. Grill the octopus for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of char and tenderness.
5. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes total.
Grilled Octopus with Roasted Garlic Aioli
Savor the tender, char-grilled texture of octopus paired with a rich and creamy roasted garlic aioli. This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cleaned and tentacle-free octopus
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the octopus and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, roast the garlic cloves in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until soft and caramelized.
5. In a bowl, mix together roasted garlic, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to create the aioli.
6. Serve the grilled octopus with roasted garlic aioli spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Herb-Marinated Grilled Octopus
Succulent grilled octopus infused with the bright flavors of herbs and lemon, perfect for a summer evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cleaned and tentacle-removed octopus
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, parsley, oregano, and lemon juice.
2. Add the octopus to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours).
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove octopus from marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Grill octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Grilled Octopus with Charred Lemon and Fennel
Savor the tender, smoky flavor of grilled octopus paired with the bright acidity of charred lemon and the anise-like sweetness of fennel. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a light and refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large octopus, cleaned and tentacles separated
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges
– 2 bulbs of fennel, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush octopus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it develops a nice char.
4. Meanwhile, place lemon wedges on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
5. In a small bowl, mix together sliced fennel and a pinch of salt.
6. To serve, place grilled octopus on a platter with charred lemons and fennel mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Octopus Tacos with Avocado Crema
Savor the tender sweetness of grilled octopus in a vibrant taco filled with crunchy slaw and creamy avocado crema. Perfect for adventurous eaters, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 lime wedges
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Avocado Crema (recipe below)
– Slaw: 1 red cabbage, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Avocado Crema:
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1 lime juiced
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and salt & pepper. Add octopus; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill octopus until tender, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping in foil and heating on grill.
5. Assemble tacos with grilled octopus, slaw, and Avocado Crema.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Grilled Octopus
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this sweet and savory recipe for Balsamic Glazed Grilled Octopus. The tender, char-grilled cephalopod is infused with the rich flavors of balsamic glaze and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus, cleaned and tentacles separated
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
3. Season octopus with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze all over the octopus.
5. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Grilled Octopus with Saffron Rice
Experience the tender, smoky flavor of grilled octopus paired with the aromatic warmth of saffron-infused rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into tentacle pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp hot water
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the octopus pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions. Stir in soaked saffron threads and their liquid.
5. Serve grilled octopus with saffron-infused rice.
Cooking Time:
– Grilling time: 6-8 minutes
– Rice cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Octopus and Chorizo Skewers
Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these succulent grilled octopus and chorizo skewers. The combination of tender octopus, spicy chorizo, and smoky grill flavor will leave your guests asking for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cleaned and tentacle-free octopus
– 1/2 cup chorizo sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Add the octopus and chorizo to the marinade, tossing to coat.
4. Thread the marinated mixture onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the octopus is tender and slightly charred.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Octopus with Tomato and Basil Salad
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and refreshing summer recipe. The tender grilled octopus pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy tomato and basil salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and white wine (if using). Add octopus pieces and season with salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
4. Meanwhile, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Toss to combine.
5. Serve grilled octopus on top of the tomato and basil salad.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cajun Spiced Grilled Octopus
Add a touch of Louisiana flair to your seafood with this flavorful and tender grilled octopus dish, infused with the bold spices of Cajun cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning blend (e.g., Tony Chachere’s)
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add the octopus pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Enjoy your delicious Cajun Spiced Grilled Octopus!
Grilled Octopus with Romesco Sauce
Experience the tender, charred flavors of grilled octopus paired with the rich, smoky goodness of romesco sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a summer evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into tentacle pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup romesco sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Add the octopus pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove the octopus from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and tender.
5. Serve with romesco sauce spooned over the top. If using white wine, drizzle it over the dish before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Grilled Octopus and White Bean Salad
This refreshing summer salad combines the smoky flavor of grilled octopus with creamy cannellini beans, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of lemon zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound octopus, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the octopus pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cannellini beans, feta cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. To assemble the salad, place the grilled octopus on top of the bean mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (includes marinating time)
Grilled Octopus with Miso Glaze
Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and savory grilled octopus recipe, featuring a sticky miso glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound octopus, cleaned and cut into tentacle pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, miso paste, soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
3. Brush the glaze evenly onto both sides of the octopus pieces.
4. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Grilled Octopus with Rosemary and Thyme
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and tender grilled octopus dish, infused with the aromas of rosemary and thyme. Perfect for a summer evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into tentacle-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, rosemary, and thyme. Add the octopus pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Remove the octopus from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes total
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with these 20 succulent grilled octopus recipes! From classic combinations like lemon and olive oil, garlic butter, and chili flakes, to more adventurous options like paprika, chimichurri sauce, and honey glaze, there’s something for every taste. Discover how to pair octopus with roasted potatoes, tangy salads, and creamy aiolis, or try it in tacos with avocado crema or skewers with chorizo. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a show-stopping appetizer, these recipes are sure to impress!
