Simple Greek Grilled Octopus Recipe: A Mediterranean Delight

If you’ve ever enjoyed grilled octopus at a Greek taverna, you know how tender, smoky, and delicious it can be! The key to perfect Greek-style grilled octopus is a simple combination of slow cooking for tenderness, marinating for flavor, and grilling for a beautiful char.

This recipe is easy to follow and will help you recreate authentic Mediterranean flavors right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get tender, flavorful grilled octopus just like in Greece.
✔ Minimal Ingredients: Simple but bold Mediterranean flavors.
✔ Perfect for Summer Grilling: A great seafood dish for BBQs or special occasions.
✔ Healthy & Light: Packed with lean protein and heart-healthy fats.

Ingredients Needed

For the Octopus:

2 lbs fresh or frozen octopus, cleaned
1 tsp salt
2 bay leaves
1 tsp whole black peppercorns

For the Marinade:

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp black pepper

For Garnishing:

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp capers (optional)
Extra lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Greek Grilled Octopus

1. Prepare the Octopus

If using frozen octopus, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Rinse under cold water and remove the beak (the hard part in the center of the tentacles).

2. Boil for Tenderness

Bring a large pot of water, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns to a boil.
Add the octopus and reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 45-60 minutes until tender (a knife should slide in easily).
Remove from water, drain, and let cool slightly.

3. Marinate for Flavor

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and black pepper.
Cut octopus into large pieces or tentacles and toss in the marinade.
Cover and let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

4. Grill to Perfection

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the octopus directly on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until lightly charred.
Remove from the grill and brush with extra olive oil.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Place on a serving platter, drizzle with more lemon juice and olive oil.
Garnish with fresh parsley, capers, and extra lemon wedges.
Serve with crusty bread, salad, or grilled vegetables.

Tips for the Best Grilled Octopus

✔ Boil First: This ensures the octopus is tender, not rubbery.
✔ Marinate for Extra Flavor: The longer it sits, the more delicious it gets!
✔ Use High Heat for Charring: A hot grill creates crispy, smoky edges.
✔ Let It Rest Before Serving: Allows flavors to blend beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

🌶 Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or paprika to the marinade.
🍊 Citrus Kick: Use orange or lime juice for a fresh twist.
🧄 Garlic Lovers’ Version: Double the garlic for extra bold flavor.

What to Serve with Greek Grilled Octopus

🥗 Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
🍞 Grilled Pita Bread: Perfect for soaking up the marinade.
🥔 Lemon Roasted Potatoes: A classic Greek side dish.
🍷 White Wine or Ouzo: A refreshing drink pairing.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

❄ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Lightly warm on the grill or stovetop over low heat.
🧊 Freeze: Freeze boiled octopus (before grilling) for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping the Boiling Step: Leads to tough, chewy octopus.
❌ Overcooking on the Grill: Just a quick sear is enough.
❌ Not Letting It Marinate: The marinade enhances the flavor—don’t rush it!

Conclusion

This Simple Greek Grilled Octopus recipe delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort. With tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned tentacles, it's a must-try for any seafood lover.

Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Greece to your table! 🇬🇷 🐙 🔥