Succulently smoky and irresistibly vibrant, Chilli Lemon Octopus is the perfect dish to elevate your next seafood meal. Featuring tender, perfectly simmered octopus bathed in a zesty marinade of fresh lemon juice, fiery red chilies, garlic, and fragrant parsley, this recipe balances bold, tangy, and smoky flavors beautifully. After a quick char on the grill, the octopus develops a delightful caramelized crust that complements its delicate texture. Simple yet stunning, this dish comes together in under an hour and is an ideal centerpiece for seafood lovers, whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or a sophisticated dinner. Serve it with lemon wedges and a drizzle of marinade for an unforgettable flavor burst. Keywords: Chilli Lemon Octopus, grilled octopus recipe, seafood dinner, lemon garlic marinade, smoky octopus.
Clean the octopus by rinsing it thoroughly under cold water. Remove the beak and any remaining innards. Pat it dry with paper towels.
In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water, the white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt to a gentle boil. Add the octopus, turn down the heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the octopus is tender when pierced with a fork.
While the octopus is cooking, prepare the marinade. Finely chop the garlic, red chilies, and fresh parsley. Zest the lemon and squeeze out 2 tablespoons of its juice.
In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped garlic, chopped chilies, chopped parsley, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Once the octopus is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Cut the tentacles into individual portions and slice the head into bite-sized pieces.
Add the octopus pieces to the marinade bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the octopus for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it develops a light char and smoky flavor.
Transfer the grilled octopus to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining marinade over the top. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Calories |
1282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.8 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 480 mg | 160% | |
| Sodium | 4714 mg | 205% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 152.6 g | 305% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 673 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 55.4 mg | 308% | |
| Potassium | 4378 mg | 93% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.