SIMPLE GREEK GRILLED OCTOPUS

 

SIMPLE GREEK GRILLED OCTOPUS 🐙🍋

There’s something truly special about enjoying Greek-style grilled octopus — it’s simple, rustic, and bursting with the bright, bold flavors of the Mediterranean. With just a few quality ingredients and an easy preparation process, this dish transforms tender octopus into a smoky, lemony masterpiece that tastes like summer by the sea. Perfect for a light dinner, a weekend cookout, or a taste of Greece at home, this recipe highlights how a few fresh ingredients can create something extraordinary.

📋 Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh or frozen octopus, cleaned
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

👩‍🍳 Directions:

1️⃣ Tenderizing the Octopus:
If using frozen octopus, thaw it completely. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently add the octopus. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 45–60 minutes, or until tender. You’ll know it’s ready when a fork slides easily into the flesh. This slow simmering helps break down the connective tissues, making the octopus perfectly tender while keeping it juicy. Once done, remove the octopus and allow it to cool slightly before cutting it into large pieces, separating the tentacles from the body.

2️⃣ Marinating the Octopus:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until the ingredients are blended. Toss the cooked octopus pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those zesty Mediterranean flavors. For an even deeper taste, refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight — the longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes.

3️⃣ Grilling the Octopus:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Once hot, place the marinated octopus pieces on the grill and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the edges become slightly charred and crispy. The grilling adds a smoky aroma and caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon and garlic notes.

4️⃣ Serving:
Arrange the grilled octopus on a platter, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top — a touch that elevates the freshness of every bite.

⏱ Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
⏱ Cooking time: 1 hour (boiling) + 6–8 minutes (grilling)
⏱ Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

🔥 Calories: ~240 kcal per serving
🍽 Servings: 4

Serve your Greek Grilled Octopus with a side of crusty bread, a fresh Greek salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal that feels both elegant and effortless. With every forkful, you’ll taste the sun-soaked coastlines of Greece — the perfect combination of tender meat, smoky char, and bright lemon flavor.