Description
Greek Grilled Octopus is a tender, smoky, and flavorful dish infused with classic Mediterranean ingredients like lemon, garlic, and olive oil. This simple recipe shows you how to pre-cook and grill octopus perfectly, giving it that satisfying char without losing its tender texture. Perfect for summer gatherings or a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, it pairs beautifully with fresh salads or grilled vegetables. Bring a taste of Greece right to your table with this easy, delicious dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs octopus, cleaned
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pre-cook the Octopus:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt and the bay leaf.
- Add the cleaned octopus and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 40-50 minutes until tender. Test with a fork; it should pierce easily.
- Drain the octopus and let it cool slightly before cutting into tentacles or large pieces.
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the octopus in the marinade, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Octopus:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the octopus for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s charred and heated through.
- Serve:
- Transfer the octopus to a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with extra lemon wedges. A drizzle of olive oil before serving enhances the flavor.
Notes
- Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or warm pita bread for a full Mediterranean meal.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet for similar results.
- Leftover octopus can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated or enjoyed cold in a salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Greek Grilled Octopus, Mediterranean Grilled Octopus, Greek Octopus Recipe, Grilled Seafood, Octopus Recipe, Easy Grilled Octopus