Grilled Octopus Spicy Garlic Marinade (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Octopus Preparation

01 - 1 medium octopus (1–1.2 kg), cleaned
02 - 3 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
03 - 2 bay leaves
04 - 1 lemon, halved
05 - 1 teaspoon sea salt

→ Marinade & Finishing

06 - 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
07 - 1–2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon chili flakes
08 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
14 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer. Add lightly crushed garlic, bay leaves, halved lemon, and sea salt.
02 - Submerge the cleaned octopus and simmer for 40–50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork at the thickest tentacle.
03 - Remove octopus from water and allow to cool slightly. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
04 - In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped chilies or chili flakes, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
05 - Cut octopus into large tentacle pieces. Toss with marinade and let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours refrigerated. Reserve 2 tablespoons of marinade separately.
06 - Heat a grill or grill pan to high temperature.
07 - Place tentacle pieces directly on the grill. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until octopus is charred and edges are slightly crisp.
08 - Transfer grilled octopus to a serving platter. Drizzle with additional olive oil and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges alongside.

# Notes:

01 - For extra tenderness, freeze the octopus overnight before simmering to help break down muscle fibers.
02 - Patting the octopus dry after simmering is essential for a crisp, smoky finish.
03 - Add a splash of white wine to the simmering liquid for aromatic depth.
04 - Adjust the type and amount of chili to achieve your desired heat level.
05 - Try incorporating fresh thyme or oregano into the marinade for additional herbal notes.

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