Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Octopus:

If you have a whole octopus, ensure it is cleaned properly. You can ask your fishmonger to clean it for you if you’re unsure how to do this.

Rinse the octopus under cold water and remove the beak and any remaining innards.

Tenderize the Octopus:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.

Once boiling, add the octopus and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, until the octopus is tender (you can check by piercing a thick part with a knife).

Remove the octopus from the pot and allow it to cool. This step is crucial for achieving tender meat.

Marinate the Octopus:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Cut the cooled octopus into manageable pieces (tentacles and head).

Add the octopus to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for more flavor.

Preheat the Grill:

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grates with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Grill the Octopus:

Remove the octopus from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off.

Place the octopus pieces on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until you get nice grill marks and a slightly charred appearance.

Serve:

Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining marinade, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Variations and Tips

Variations:

Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers to the marinade for extra heat.

Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano in the marinade for additional flavor.

Substitutions:

For Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure the vinegar used is gluten-free as well.

For Vegan Option: While octopus is the star, you can substitute it with grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, marinating them in the same mixture.