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Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus is a flavorful Mediterranean dish where baby octopus is braised until tender, marinated in lemon-garlic olive oil, and then seared to crispy perfection. This simple yet decadent dish is perfect for a summer meal, served with a Greek Salad and a side of crusty bread.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 kg (4 lb) baby octopus, rinsed
Braising Liquid:
4 liters (4 quarts) water
1 onion, halved, skin on
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1 teaspoon black peppercorns (or 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper)
2 teaspoons cooking salt (kosher salt)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 parsley stems (with leaves)
2 bay leaves (fresh or dried)
Marinade:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons lemon zest (from one large lemon)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon each of cooking/kosher salt and black pepper
For Cooking and Serving:
1 tablespoon canola oil (for BBQ or large skillet)
2 teaspoons parsley, finely chopped (optional)
1 large red chili, finely sliced (optional)
Lemon wedges (highly recommended)

Directions

Braise the Octopus:
- In a large pot, combine all the braising liquid ingredients and bring to a boil. Add the octopus and bring back to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer very gently for about 1 hour, checking at the 45-minute mark for tenderness. When tender, drain the octopus and remove any aromatics such as bay leaves and onion.
Marinate the Octopus:
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Pour the marinade over the octopus (while it’s still hot), toss well, and let it cool completely. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 12 to 24 hours. The longer the marinate, the better the flavor infusion.
Cook the Octopus:
- Heat a BBQ hot plate or a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add oil to the hot plate and transfer the marinated octopus using tongs. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, rotating the octopus to get an even golden color and crispy texture, especially on the legs.
Serve:
- Transfer the crispy octopus to a plate, sprinkle with parsley, red chili, and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.

Nutrients

Per serving (assuming 6 servings, excluding marinade oil):

Calories: 394 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 50g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 160mg
Sodium: 1777mg
Potassium: 1241mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 609 IU
Vitamin C: 23 mg
Calcium: 218 mg
Iron: 18 mg

The Braising Process: Tenderizing the Octopus

The key to achieving the perfect texture for baby octopus is the braising process. By simmering the octopus gently in a flavorful braising liquid, the tough texture of the octopus becomes tender and succulent. The braising liquid includes water, onion, garlic, black peppercorns, salt, lemon juice, parsley stems, and bay leaves. These ingredients not only tenderize the octopus but also infuse it with aromatic flavors.

When braising the octopus, it’s essential to keep the heat low and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour. This slow cooking method ensures that the octopus becomes tender while allowing the flavors of the aromatics to seep into the meat. Checking for tenderness at the 45-minute mark is a good practice to ensure the octopus doesn’t overcook and become rubbery.

Marinating the Octopus: Flavor Infusion

After braising, the octopus is transferred to a marinade made with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red chili flakes (optional for spice), salt, and black pepper. The marinade adds a rich, zesty flavor to the octopus, with the lemon zest and garlic bringing brightness and depth. The longer the octopus marinates, the more the flavors will infuse. Ideally, the octopus should be marinated for at least 12 hours, but you can let it marinate for up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor.

It’s important to pour the marinade over the octopus while it’s still hot after braising. This helps the octopus absorb the marinade more effectively. After tossing the octopus in the marinade, refrigerate it until ready to cook. The marinated octopus will develop a beautiful, aromatic flavor that complements its tender, braised texture.

Cooking the Octopus: Achieving the Perfect Crisp

To finish the dish, the marinated octopus is cooked on a BBQ hot plate or in a large skillet on medium-high heat. The goal is to create a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender. The octopus is cooked for about 3-5 minutes, rotating it to achieve an even golden color and crispy texture, especially on the legs. The cooking time is short, as the octopus has already been braised, so this step is just to create the crispy exterior.

The oil used in the pan or on the BBQ hot plate helps create the crispy texture. Using tongs to carefully transfer the octopus into the hot pan ensures that the octopus is cooked evenly and maintains its crispy exterior.

Serving the Crispy Octopus

Once the octopus is crispy and golden, it’s time to serve. Transfer the octopus to a plate and sprinkle it with finely chopped parsley and thinly sliced red chili for an extra burst of flavor and color. A drizzle of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the olive oil marinade. For added flavor, serve the octopus with lemon wedges on the side so guests can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the octopus just before eating.

This dish pairs beautifully with a Greek Salad, which provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the octopus. Additionally, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices and sauce from the plate.

Why Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus is So Popular

Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus combines multiple textures and flavors that make it irresistible. The tender, braised octopus provides a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the crispy exterior adds a satisfying crunch. The marinade of garlic, lemon, and olive oil imparts a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the octopus.

The dish is also versatile and can be served in various ways, whether as a main course, appetizer, or shared plate for a family-style meal. The inclusion of lemon and chili provides a balance of freshness and heat, making the dish incredibly flavorful and well-rounded.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus contains approximately 394 calories, making it a relatively light but protein-packed dish. The 50 grams of protein per serving make this dish a great choice for those seeking a high-protein meal. The dish is also rich in healthy fats, with 15 grams of fat per serving, including 9 grams of monounsaturated fat from the olive oil.

The octopus provides important minerals such as potassium (1241mg per serving) and calcium (218mg per serving), as well as a healthy dose of iron (18mg per serving). The dish is low in carbohydrates, with only 12 grams per serving, making it a great choice for those following low-carb or keto diets.

Conclusion

Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus is a delectable Mediterranean dish that combines tender, flavorful octopus with a crispy, golden exterior and a zesty marinade. The braising process ensures the octopus is perfectly tender, while the marinade infuses it with aromatic flavors. The final searing gives the octopus a crispy, irresistible texture that’s sure to impress. This dish pairs beautifully with a Greek Salad and crusty bread, making it the perfect summer meal or a special occasion treat. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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