Octopus with Garlic

Octopus with Garlic

This Octopus with Garlic recipe brings together the rich, tender flavor of octopus and the aromatic goodness of garlic, creating a simple yet flavorful dish. The octopus is first tenderized and then pan-seared with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs for an easy and impressive seafood dish.

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Ingredients

(Serves 2-3)

• 2 pounds octopus (fresh or thawed if frozen)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Tenderize the Octopus

• If using frozen octopus, thaw it completely.
• To tenderize, you can freeze the octopus and let it thaw, or you can tenderize it by gently pounding it with a mallet or meat tenderizer. This helps break down the muscle fibers for a softer texture.
• If the octopus has not been pre-cleaned, remove the beak and innards. Rinse the octopus well under cold water.

2. Boil the Octopus (Optional for Extra Tenderness)

• Fill a large pot with water, and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
• Add the octopus and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it becomes tender. You can check tenderness by piercing the thickest part of the tentacles with a fork. Once tender, remove the octopus and set it aside to cool. This step is optional, but it helps create a more tender final texture.

3. Prepare the Garlic and Olive Oil

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown (be careful not to burn it).

4. Cook the Octopus

• Once the octopus has cooled, cut the tentacles into smaller pieces (about 2-3 inches each).
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet with the garlic.
• Add the octopus pieces to the pan and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, allowing the octopus to develop a nice golden crust.
• Add the red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest for extra flavor during the last minute of cooking. Toss everything to combine.

5. Finish and Serve

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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Tips

• Grilling Option: You can also grill the octopus instead of pan-searing it. Brush with olive oil, season with salt, and grill over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
• Tenderizing Tip: If you're in a rush, you can skip boiling and just cook the octopus longer to achieve tenderness, though boiling first yields a softer texture.
• Add a Twist: For extra richness, drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil before serving or garnish with capers or olives for added flavor.

This Octopus with Garlic is a flavorful, simple seafood dish that pairs beautifully with a light salad or a side of roasted vegetables! 🐙🧄🍋