Name: Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 25 h 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 kg / 4 lb baby octopus, rinsed; Braising Liquid; 4 litres water; 1 onion, halved (skin on); 6 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 tsp black peppercorns; 2 tsp cooking salt; 3 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar; 3 parsley stems; 2 bay leaves; Marinade; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 6 garlic cloves, finely minced; 2 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp dried red chili flakes (optional); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Cooking & Serving; 1 tbsp canola oil; 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped (optional); 1 large red chili, finely sliced (optional); Lemon wedges for serving

Description

Baby octopus simmered until tender, marinated in bold Mediterranean flavors, then seared until beautifully crispy. This simple but incredibly delicious seafood dish makes a perfect starter or light main, especially served with fresh salad, crusty bread, and lemon wedges.

Ingredients

2 kg / 4 lb baby octopus, rinsed
Braising Liquid
4 litres water
1 onion, halved (skin on)
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tsp black peppercorns
2 tsp cooking salt
3 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
3 parsley stems
2 bay leaves
Marinade
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried red chili flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Cooking & Serving
1 tbsp canola oil
2 tsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)
1 large red chili, finely sliced (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Place all braising liquid ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
Add the baby octopus and return to a boil, then reduce heat so the liquid simmers very gently.
Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
Braise for about 1 hour, checking from 45 minutes until the octopus becomes tender.
Drain the octopus and discard the onion, bay leaves, and other aromatics.
Place the octopus in a bowl.
Mix all marinade ingredients together and pour over the warm octopus.
Toss well, allow to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Heat a BBQ plate or large skillet over medium-high heat and brush with oil.
Cook the marinated octopus for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely browned and crispy.
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with parsley, chili, and lemon wedges.

Notes

Frozen baby octopus works well because freezing helps tenderize the meat.
Marinate at least 12 hours for best flavor, but 24 hours is ideal.
You can boil baby potatoes with the octopus and toss them with leftover marinade.
Leftovers keep for 2–3 days in the refrigerator and taste even better the next day.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Starter
Method: Braise, Grill
Cuisine: Mediterranean