Simple Greek Grilled Octopus with Lemonoregano Dressing
Simple & Stunning Greek Grilled Octopus: Get Your Grill On!
Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine? You know those dishes that look super impressive, but are secretly dead easy? Well, say hello to Simple Greek Grilled Octopus .
Honestly, you’ll be transported straight to a taverna in Santorini!
A Whiff of the Sea: What is Greek Grilled Octopus?
This Greek Appetizer has roots stretching back to ancient times. Think seaside villages where fresh Octopus Recipe was grilled over open fires.
This Mediterranean Cuisine staple is deceptively easy. You'll only need about 20 minutes of prep, a couple of hours to marinate and a mere 10- 15 minutes on the grill.
It makes about 4 servings.
Why You'll Love This Easy Grilling Recipe
This recipe is packed with lean protein. This Seafood Grilling classic is bursting with fresh flavours. It's absolutely perfect as a Quick Appetizer for a summer BBQ or Party Appetizer .
Plus, the Lemon Oregano Dressing is like bottled sunshine! And you know it's an Easy Grilling Recipe when even I can't mess it up!
Gather 'Round the Ingredients
Right, let's talk ingredients. You'll need some beautiful Octopus Marinade Recipe ingredients. Two pounds of octopus is the star. Don't forget the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, fresh and dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Alright, let's get this Simple Greek Grilled Octopus sorted! It's dead easy, even if you're not exactly Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen.
This recipe brings those holiday vibes straight to your BBQ. Think Greek Appetizer meets Easy Grilling Recipe result!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. The quality of your ingredients can take this dish from "meh" to "OMG!".
Honestly, using fresh herbs and good olive oil makes all the difference. Plus, a decent marinade is key for amazing Seafood Marinade.
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) of octopus, fresh or thawed.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil. Look for a fruity, robust oil.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. The stinkier, the better!
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice. Bottled stuff is alright, but fresh is where it's at.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) dry red wine vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons (10g) fresh oregano, chopped. That authentic Mediterranean Cuisine is a must.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) black pepper.
For the octopus, fresh is king! If you're using frozen, make sure it's fully thawed. Quality indicators? The octopus should smell fresh, like the sea.
It shouldn't smell fishy or ammonia like. Frozen Octopus is a great option if you dont want to mess up with the tenderizing part.
Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch
This Lemon Oregano Dressing is what makes this recipe sing. The combo of lemon, garlic, and oregano is a classic for a reason.
- Essential spice combo: Lemon, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. That's the base.
- Flavor enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, if you're feeling brave!
- Substitutions: No fresh oregano? Dried oregano is fine. Use half the amount.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for this Summer Grilling delight. It's all about the BBQ and a few essentials.
- Large pot: For potentially tenderizing that octopus.
- Grill (gas or charcoal): Obvs! For that beautiful Seafood Grilling flavour.
- Mixing bowl: For mixing up the marinade.
- Tongs: To handle the octopus on the grill.
- Meat Thermometer: (Optional, but nice to have). Getting the core to 145° F ( 63° C) is great.
Honestly, that's all you need. Don't overcomplicate things! As long as you've got a grill and some way to mix up the marinade, you're golden for the Party Appetizer.
Simple & Stunning Simple Greek Grilled Octopus
Fancy a Greek Appetizer that whisks you away to the Med? This Easy Grilling Recipe for Simple Greek Grilled Octopus is ridiculously simple and tasty.
We're talking tender octopus kissed by the flames, bathed in a Lemon Oregano Dressing , and ready to wow your mates.
Seriously, this Mediterranean Cuisine classic is the perfect Party Appetizer for a Summer Grilling shindig. You can make it for a Quick Appetizer .
I remember the first time I tried grilled octopus. It was in Greece, obviously! I was blown away.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!
Before you even think about firing up the grill, get your ducks in a row. This is my mise en place cooking school slang for everything in its place.
It makes this Seafood Grilling recipe a breeze!
- Essential mise en place: Get your octopus (thawed if frozen), olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, fresh and dried oregano, salt, and pepper ready to go.
- Time saving organization tips: Mince the garlic beforehand. Measure out your spices. Honestly, it saves so much time later.
- Safety reminders: Don't be a numpty! Make sure your grill is clean and you have proper grilling tongs. And, always be mindful of hot surfaces.
Simple Steps to Grilled Octopus Perfection
This is one of the easiest Octopus Recipe you will ever find.
- Marinate : Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinade the octopus for 1- 2 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat : Get your grill to a medium high heat . The trick to the best Tender Grilled Octopus .
- Grill : Grill the octopus for 5- 8 minutes per side .
- Check Temperature: Aim for 145° F ( 63° C) , and the thickness part of the octopus. You can use a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve : Slice, drizzle with olive oil, and add oregano. This is a great Grilled Octopus Salad recipe.
Pro Tips for Octopus Awesomeness
Want that restaurant quality Seafood Marinade flavor?
- Don’t overcook it : Overcooked octopus is like rubber. Aim for tender.
- Pat it dry : Before grilling, pat the octopus dry for a proper sear.
- make-ahead : Marinate the octopus the night before for maximum flavour.
Honestly, once you nail this recipe, you’ll be serving up Tender Grilled Octopus like a pro! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Making Your Simple Greek Grilled Octopus Shine
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs to make sure your Simple Greek Grilled Octopus turns out smashing every single time.
Honestly, it's easier than you think. This Greek Appetizer is all about the details.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, doesn't it? A little effort goes a long way. I love piling the Tender Grilled Octopus on a bed of rocket salad.
Adds a peppery kick. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh oregano just elevates everything.
For sides, think classic Mediterranean Cuisine . Grilled pita bread is perfect for soaking up all that gorgeous Lemon Oregano Dressing .
And a glass of chilled white wine? Spot on.
Storage Savvy: Keeping It Fresh
Right, so you've got leftovers of this amazing Seafood Grilling dish? Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 3 days . Reheating is a doddle, just a gentle warm-up in a pan or microwave until it's heated through.
Freezing isn't ideal it can make the octopus a bit rubbery but if you must, portion it out first.
Tweaks and Twists: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a bit of a change? Swap out the oregano for fresh thyme. Still keeps it Mediterranean Cuisine and Easy Grilling Recipe .
For a gluten-free option, serve it with grilled vegetables instead of pita. And if you are looking to use other options than octopus, large squid tubes can be used but won't have the same taste and texture profile.
Just a quick swap and this Octopus Recipe fits your needs.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Simple Facts
Okay, so roughly each serving of this Party Appetizer comes in around 250-300 calories. It's packed with protein. Good for you.
It is also fairly low in carbs! Keep in mind this is a rough estimate. Eating fish rich in selenium is good for your health.
See? This Quick Appetizer is not just tasty, it's pretty healthy too. Now go on, give it a go and impress your mates with this Summer Grilling masterpiece using our tasty Seafood Marinade .
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my Simple Greek Grilled Octopus isn't tough and rubbery? No one wants to feel like they're chewing on an old wellington boot!
Ah, the dreaded rubbery octopus! The key is not to overcook it. Grilling for just 5-8 minutes per side, until slightly charred and just cooked through, is usually perfect. Also, tenderizing the octopus beforehand, either by freezing it briefly or giving it a good whack (like Nonna used to do!), helps break down those tough muscle fibers.
Think of it like a gentle caress from the grill, not a wrestling match!
Can I use frozen octopus for Simple Greek Grilled Octopus, or does it have to be fresh?
Absolutely, frozen octopus works perfectly! In fact, some chefs prefer it because the freezing process actually helps tenderize the octopus. Just make sure it's fully thawed before you start marinating. It is one less task to do for a simple recipe like this. Nobody wants to eat chewy seafood!
What's the best way to get those amazing grill marks on my Simple Greek Grilled Octopus?
Everybody loves a good looking octopus, right? The trick is to resist the urge to fidget with it! Preheat your grill properly, oil the grates well, and then place the octopus on the grill. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop those lovely char lines before flipping. Patience, my friend, patience!
I'm not a big fan of oregano. What other herbs can I use for Simple Greek Grilled Octopus?
No worries, mate, you can easily swap the oregano for other herbs. Fresh thyme, parsley, or dill would all be delicious. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own! So experiment and find your perfect flavour blend. You can even use a mix of a couple of these.
How long does leftover grilled octopus last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover grilled octopus is a rare treat, if you have any that is! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should be good for 1-2 days. Reheat it gently, either in a pan on the stove or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook it. You could also chop it up and add it to a salad the next day.
Is this Simple Greek Grilled Octopus recipe healthy?
Octopus is a good source of protein and low in fat, making it a relatively healthy choice. However, the added olive oil in the marinade contributes to the fat content. As with all things, moderation is key! You can also adjust the amount of salt used to suit your dietary needs.
Simple Greek Grilled Octopus With Lemonoregano D
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 6.5g |
