Grilled Octopus with Spring Mix Salad and Lemon Recipe
Introduction
Grilled octopus is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings tender seafood to the grill with a smoky char. Perfect for a light meal or an impressive appetizer, this recipe pairs the octopus with fresh greens and a bright squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) boiled octopus
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 pack spring mix salad
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the boiled octopus with olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the octopus directly over the flame until the surface is slightly charred, then flip and grill the other side until equally charred.
- Step 3: Remove the octopus from the grill and slice it into serving pieces. Plate with fresh spring mix salad and lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, boil the octopus with aromatics like garlic and bay leaves before seasoning and grilling.
- Swap cayenne pepper for smoked paprika to add a different smoky note without heat.
- Marinate the octopus in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling for deeper flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled octopus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or enjoy cold in a salad. Avoid overheating to keep it tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I grill raw octopus instead of boiled?
Raw octopus can be grilled, but it is often tough unless properly tenderized. Boiling first ensures a tender result before grilling for char and flavor.
What side dishes go well with grilled octopus?
Simple salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread complement grilled octopus beautifully by balancing its rich, smoky flavor.
PrintGrilled Octopus with Spring Mix Salad and Lemon Recipe
This Grilled Octopus recipe features tender boiled octopus enhanced with a simple yet flavorful marinade of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Grilled briefly over direct heat to develop a smoky char, it is served sliced alongside a fresh spring mix salad and zesty lemon wedges, perfect as a light, elegant appetizer or main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Octopus
- 1 lb (500g) boiled octopus
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
Salad and Garnish
- 1 pack spring mix salad
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the Octopus: In a bowl, coat the boiled octopus evenly with olive oil, then season generously with salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to infuse flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a medium-high setting, preparing for direct cooking to achieve a nice char on the octopus.
- Grill the Octopus: Place the octopus directly over the heat. Grill until the surface is slightly charred and smoky, about 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully to ensure even cooking without overcooking.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the grilled octopus from the grill, slice it into bite-sized pieces, and serve immediately with a fresh spring mix salad and lemon wedges to squeeze over for brightness.
Notes
- Ensure the octopus is properly boiled or pre-cooked before grilling to achieve tender meat.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh lemon wedges for added acidity that balances the smoky grilled flavor.
- The spring mix salad provides a fresh and crisp complement but can be substituted with mixed greens of choice.
- For an extra touch, drizzle some more olive oil over the salad before serving.
Keywords: grilled octopus, seafood, Mediterranean, easy octopus recipe, summer grilling, healthy seafood
