Description
This easy Greek Style Grilled Octopus with Lemon recipe combines tender octopus with smoky char and bright lemon flavor for a delicious Mediterranean seafood dish. Perfect for summer grilling and classic Greek-style serving.
Ingredients
- For the Octopus
- 1 kg octopus (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 4 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp peppercorns
- For the Marinade
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- For Serving
- 2 fresh lemon wedges
- Sea salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Simmer the Octopus: Place octopus, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a pot with water. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 45–60 minutes until the octopus is tender.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl whisk olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and fresh lemon juice.
- Marinate: Transfer cooked octopus to a shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C) and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the Octopus: Place octopus on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly charred and golden.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with sea salt, chopped parsley, and fresh lemon wedges. Drizzle any remaining marinade before serving.
Notes
- Serve the grilled octopus immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
- Frozen octopus often becomes more tender after cooking than fresh.
- A squeeze of extra lemon enhances the Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Greek