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Perfectly Tender Baby Octopus

Platter of grilled baby octopus with crispy edges
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This tender and flavorful baby octopus recipe is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Braised in aromatic herbs, marinated in a bold lemon-garlic blend, and seared to crispy perfection, it’s the perfect centerpiece for a seafood feast.

Ingredients

Scale

For Braising:

  • 2 lbs baby octopus (fresh or frozen, pre-cleaned)
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 handful parsley stems
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • Water (enough to cover octopus)

For Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Lemon wedges
  • Red chili flakes

Instructions

  • Braising:
    • Place baby octopus, lemon slices, garlic, bay leaves, parsley stems, and peppercorns in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the octopus.
    • Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour or until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
  • Marinating:
    • While warm, toss the octopus in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Ensure even coating.
    • Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours for maximum flavor.
  • Searing/Grilling:
    • Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Sear marinated octopus for 4–5 minutes per side, pressing lightly for crispy edges.
  • Serving:
    • Arrange on a platter, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Braising ensures tender octopus, while marinating enhances flavor.
  • For quicker prep, use frozen pre-cleaned baby octopus.
  • Leftovers can be stored for 2–3 days and used in salads or seafood platters.

Nutrition

Keywords: baby octopus, Mediterranean baby octopus, grilled baby octopus, marinated baby octopus, tender baby octopus recipe, braised baby octopus, seafood recipes, crispy octopus legs

Find it online: https://batchrecipes.com/baby-octopus/