Greek cuisine is celebrated for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple yet flavorful dishes. Among its many seafood specialties, grilled octopus is a staple in Mediterranean restaurants. This Greek octopus recipe brings out the best of this delicacy, combining tender, pre-cooked octopus with the rich flavors of extra virgin olive oil, lemon, oregano, and red wine vinegar. The result? A dish that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare in a professional kitchen.

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 70 min.

Difficulty: Easy

Ideal for: Appetizer or main course

Ingredients

  • 4-5 Discefa XL cooked octopus tentacles (approx. 1.95 lbs)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh or dried oregano
  • 1 small red chili pepper, minced (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
discefa-xl-cooked-octopus

Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Octopus

    • Remove the pre-cooked octopus tentacles from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. You can grill them whole or slice them into smaller pieces for easier portioning.
    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, and minced chili pepper.
    • Place the octopus in the marinade, ensuring all sides are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Grill the Octopus

    • Preheat the grill (gas, charcoal, or a grill pan) to high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
    • Remove the octopus from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
    • Place the tentacles on the grill and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred and golden brown. The goal is to enhance the texture and develop smoky flavors.
    • Once done, transfer to a serving plate.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish

    • Drizzle the grilled octopus with a bit more extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
    • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Restaurant Kitchens

  • Alternative Cooking Methods: If a grill is not available, sear the octopus in a hot cast-iron skillet with a touch of olive oil.
  • Plating Suggestions: Serve with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a light citrus dressing to complement the smoky flavors.
  • Storage & Handling: Discefa’s pre-cooked octopus tentacles can be refrigerated and used as needed, ensuring minimal waste in busy kitchens.

This Greek octopus recipe is the perfect addition to any Mediterranean-inspired menu. Its quick preparation, bold flavors, and stunning presentation make it a go-to dish for restaurants looking to impress diners with authentic Greek seafood. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, grilled octopus offers a high-end, restaurant-quality experience that is both simple and elegant.

For more restaurant-friendly octopus recipes, explore additional preparations and techniques to enhance your seafood offerings!

 

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