Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus – A Seafood Delight!

Crispy marinated baby octopus is a delightful seafood dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your table. Known for its tender texture and flavorful marinade, this recipe is loved by seafood lovers around the world. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will make your taste buds dance!

Why Make This Recipe

Making crispy marinated baby octopus at home allows you to experience bold flavors and textures that are often hard to find in restaurants. The marination process infuses the octopus with a delightful blend of spices, and grilling or pan-searing adds that perfect crunchy exterior. Plus, it’s a unique dish that can impress any guest at a gathering or celebration. You can customize the level of spiciness and experiment with different sides to complement the meal.

How to Make Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus

Ingredients:

2 kg / 4 lb baby octopus (rinsed)
4 litres / quarts water
1 onion (halved, skin on)
6 garlic cloves (smashed)
1 tsp black peppercorns (sub 1/2 tsp ground pepper)
2 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
3 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
3 parsley stems (with leaves)
2 bay leaves (fresh or dried)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves (very finely minced)
2 tsp lemon zest (from one large lemon)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried red chili flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp each cooking/kosher salt and black pepper
1 tbsp canola oil (for BBQ or large skillet)
2 tsp parsley (finely chopped, optional)
1 large red chili (finely sliced, optional)
Lemon wedges (highly recommended)

Directions:

Braising: In a large pot, combine water, onion, garlic, black peppercorns, cooking salt, lemon juice, parsley stems, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the baby octopus, bringing it back to a boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, checking tenderness at the 45-minute mark.
Drain: Remove the octopus from the pot, draining it in a colander. Discard the bay leaves and onion. Transfer the octopus to a bowl.
Marinate: In a separate bowl, mix marinade ingredients: olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Pour the marinade over the warm octopus, toss to coat, and allow to cool. Cover with cling wrap and let it marinate overnight in the fridge.
Cook until Crispy: Preheat a BBQ hot plate on medium-high heat. Spread some oil over the hot plate. Using tongs, place the marinated octopus on the BBQ. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, rotating to ensure an even golden and crispy surface. If using a skillet, work in batches to achieve the same effect.
Serve: Arrange the octopus on a plate, sprinkle with parsley and sliced chili, and add lemon wedges for a refreshing touch. Enjoy the dish alongside bread for mopping up the delicious marinade or with some crushed potatoes dressed in residual marinade.

How to Serve Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus

Crispy marinated baby octopus can be served as a starter or main course. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal or serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a refreshing salad.

How to Store Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus

To store any leftover crispy marinated baby octopus, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for up to 2 days. Reheat leftovers in a skillet to regain that crispy texture or enjoy it cold in a salad.

Tips to Make Crispy Marinated Baby Octopus

Make sure to marinate the octopus overnight for maximum flavor.
Don’t rush the braising process; tender octopus is key for the best texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade to suit your taste.

Variation

You can try adding other spices or different types of vinegar to the marinade for varied flavors. Switching up the serving style, such as adding it to pasta or over a green salad, can create a new dish altogether.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen baby octopus?
A1: Yes, frozen baby octopus works well! Just thaw it before braising and follow the recipe as usual.

Q2: How do I know when the octopus is tender?
A2: After about 45 minutes of simmering, take a little nibble to check if it’s tender. It should be soft and easy to bite through.

Q3: Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
A3: Absolutely! Add more red chili flakes or even fresh sliced jalapeños to the marinade for a kick.

Enjoy creating this crispy marinated baby octopus dish, and let your taste buds rejoice!