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Octopus on the Grill

Experience the magic of grilled octopus with this easy recipe, featuring a zesty marinade of lemon, garlic, and olive oil for a flavorful and tender dish that's perfect for sharing.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean, Seafood
Keyword Easy Grilling, Grilled Octopus, Mediterranean Cooking, Seafood Recipe, Summer Recipes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 kg Octopus Look for whole, cleaned octopus at the fish market or frozen section. Thaw overnight in the fridge if needed.
  • 60 ml Olive oil Use a fruity extra-virgin olive oil for best results.
  • 50 ml Lemon juice Squeeze fresh if possible for bright acidity.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Microplaning is recommended for even flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped Used for garnish.
  • 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar Adds depth to the flavor.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Best with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Gently rinse the octopus under cold water. If cleaned by the fishmonger, you're set.
  • Place the octopus in a large pot with about an inch of water. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 40–50 minutes until tender.
  • Drain the octopus and let it sit until cool enough to handle. Pat dry to ensure a good char.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Grilling

  • Brush the cooled octopus generously with the marinade. Preheat your grill on high.
  • Lay the octopus directly on the grill and cook until slightly charred and smoky, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Let the octopus rest for a few minutes before slicing into chunky pieces.
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, ensure the octopus is fork-tender before grilling. Let the marinade sit for at least 30 minutes for more flavor. Serve with fresh sides like Greek salad or lemon potatoes.
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