Grill-to-Perfection Octopus Delight: Achieve Scrumptious Tenderness in an Hour

If you're looking for a new culinary adventure this summer, look no further than grilled octopus. This impressively easy-to-make dish, developed by Fiedlers Fischmarkt in Germany, has become a go-to summer dish for many. Here's a foolproof recipe to help you master this gourmet dish.

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure that your octopus is properly thawed. Frozen octopus should be thawed overnight in the fridge, never at room temperature. The octopus you purchase should be pre-cleaned, with the ink sac and beak removed, which can usually be found at the fish counter.

Ingredients

1 large octopus (2-3 lbs)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (or substitute with chili powder or a pinch of cayenne)
A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Marinating the Octopus

Combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. Add the octopus and ensure it's fully coated in the marinade. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, as this allows the flavours to infuse.

Cooking the Octopus

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Pat the octopus dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy bits. Grill the octopus for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's perfectly charred with a smoky grill kiss. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature, ensuring perfect doneness at 145°F. Alternatively, the tentacles should curl tightly and feel firm but springy to the touch.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Octopus

Boiling the octopus for 30 minutes in salted water before grilling makes it fall-apart tender (a game changer!).
Pat drying the octopus thoroughly before grilling is important to achieve crispy bits.
Taking the octopus off the grill just before it's done allows it to continue cooking as it rests.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled octopus with lemon wedges, as they cut through its richness perfectly. Warm crusty bread is a great addition to the meal, as it helps soak up the octopus's juices. Olive tapenade or tzatziki make good dipping sauces for grilled octopus. Grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant pair well with grilled octopus.

Enjoy this unbelievably tender grilled octopus with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. With its smoky flavour and garlic-lemon marinade, it's sure to impress your guests.