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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat.
4. 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.
5. Baste with Marinade:
   • While grilling, baste the octopus with the remaining marinade to enhance the flavors.
6. Check for Doneness:
   • Test the octopus for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part; it should be tender.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter.
   • Garnish with fresh oregano leaves if desired and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
8. 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.