Barbecued Octopus With Lemon And Oregano
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 1-2 hours
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs octopus, cleaned and tentacles separated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh oregano leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Octopus:
- Rinse the octopus under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, separate the tentacles from the body.
- Marinate the Octopus:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Season the octopus with salt and pepper, then coat it thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and let the octopus marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Octopus:
- Remove the octopus from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature.
- Thread the tentacles onto skewers or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
- Place the octopus on the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tentacles are charred and the octopus is cooked through.
- Baste with Marinade:
- While grilling, baste the octopus with the remaining marinade to enhance the flavors.
- Check for Doneness:
- Test the octopus for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part; it should be tender.
- Serve:
- Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh oregano leaves if desired and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Enjoy:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the barbecued octopus before enjoying this delicious and flavorful dish.
Serving Tip:
- Serve the Barbecued Octopus with a side of Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the octopus; adjust accordingly for the best results.
