Grilled Octopus with Olive Oil and Lemon
Grilled Octopus with Olive Oil and Lemon is a classic Mediterranean dish that is both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The octopus is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper, then grilled until tender and slightly charred. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing.
Octopus has been a staple of the Mediterranean diet for centuries, and there are countless recipes for grilled octopus. This particular recipe is inspired by the classic Greek dish χταπόδι σχάρας (khtapodi skharas), which is typically served with a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. I've added a few of my own touches to the recipe, such as using dried oregano and black pepper, but the basic flavors of lemon, olive oil, and octopus remain the same. I first had grilled octopus in a small taverna on the island of Crete. The octopus was grilled over charcoal and served with a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. I was immediately hooked on the flavor of the octopus, which was tender and slightly charred on the outside, and juicy and flavorful on the inside. I've been making grilled octopus ever since, and it's one of my favorite dishes to cook for friends and family.
Grilled Octopus with Olive Oil and Lemon Grilled Octopus with Olive Oil and Lemon Grilled Octopus with Olive Oil and Lemon Grilled Octopus with Olive Oil and Lemon
Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound octopus, cleaned and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the octopus, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  3. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill the octopus for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Why It Works
  • The marinade helps to tenderize the octopus and infuses it with flavor.
  • Grilling the octopus over high heat gives it a slightly charred exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
  • The simple lemon-olive oil dressing is the perfect complement to the flavor of the octopus.