How To Cook Octopus

All you need to know about: How To Cook Octopus.

Instructions for Perfectly Cooked Octopus

Cooking octopus can be intimidating but with the right techniques, you can achieve tender, succulent results.

Step 1: Start with a Fresh Octopus

When selecting an octopus for cooking, choose one that is firm and plump. The best octopus has tentacles that curl up tightly when touched. Avoid any octopus that looks slimy.

Step 2: Clean the Octopus

Once you have your octopus, start by cleaning it. Begin by removing the head of the octopus and discard it. Then peel away the outer membrane of the octopus and discard that as well. Rinse the octopus under cold water, scrubbing gently to remove any remaining bits of membrane.

Step 3: Boil or Braise the Octopus

The classic way to cook octopus is to boil it. Place the octopus in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 20-30 minutes until the octopus is tender. If boiling is not your preference, you can braise the octopus. Place the octopus in a pot with a few inches of water, add a few cloves of garlic, a sprig of thyme, and some olive oil. Simmer the octopus on low heat until it is tender, about 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Grill the Octopus

Once the octopus is boiled or braised, you can finish it off with a quick trip to the grill. Heat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the octopus with olive oil. Grill the octopus for about 3 minutes per side until it is nicely charred.

Step 5: Serve the Octopus

Once the octopus is cooked, it is ready to be served. Slice the octopus into bite-sized pieces and serve with a side of roasted potatoes, a salad, or tucked into a sandwich. Enjoy!