1. Recipes

How to Make Spanish Octopus - A Step-by-Step Guide

Spanish octopus is a classic dish that is enjoyed throughout Spain and around the world. Known for its tender and flavorful meat, octopus is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. This recipe for Spanish octopus is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a dinner party.

One of the keys to making the perfect Spanish octopus is to start with a high-quality octopus. Look for fresh or frozen octopus at your local fish market or specialty grocery s...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 1 (1 pound) piece Spanish octopus
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ⅓ cup braising liquid
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 2

  • Place onion, garlic, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil into a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until onions start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add white wine to create the braising liquid. Bring to a simmer.
  • Transfer octopus into braising liquid, turning to coat with the liquid. Cover; reduce heat to low. Simmer 20 minutes and turn octopus over. Continue cooking until octopus is tender, another 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Remove from heat; transfer octopus to a large bowl. Pour braising liquid over octopus. Place bowl above a bowl of ice water to cool to room temperature.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap when octopus and liquid are cool. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Transfer octopus to a work surface and mop off braising juices with paper towels; remove as much of the purple skin as you want. Cut octopus into 3 or 4 serving-size pieces. Brush with olive oil.
  • Transfer braising liquid to saucepan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Strain out solids; transfer liquid to a mixing bowl; let cool about 10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper to make the serving sauce.
  • Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat. Transfer octopus pieces to grill. Cook until flesh is seared, almost charred, 3 or 4 minutes. Turn and cook other side until dark brown, caramelized, and heated through, another 3 or 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter.
  • Slice octopus into fairly thick diagonal slices. Place on a serving dish. Spoon braising liquid mixture over the top. Dust with a bit of cayenne pepper, if desired.

    • Nutrition

    513 cal.

    • Total Fat: 30g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 109mg
    • Sodium: 2046mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 35g
    • Vitamin C: 22mg
    • Calcium: 152mg
    • Iron: 13mg
    • Potassium: 989mg

    Categories

    Appetizer recipes
    Main recipes
    Salad recipes
    Soup recipes
    Stew recipes