Description
This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired recipe features tender baby octopus marinated in a zesty citrus-spice blend, grilled to perfection alongside a crispy sautéed broccolini. Bright orange and lemon flavors complement the smoky paprika and cumin, creating a deliciously balanced seafood main course that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Octopus Marinade and Main
- 1 1/2 pounds baby octopus (cleaned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Vegetable Side
- 1 pound broccolini (trimmed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, orange juice and zest, lemon juice and zest, smoked paprika, ground cumin, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a flavorful citrus-spiced marinade.
- Marinate the Octopus: Toss the cleaned baby octopus in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to infuse the flavors.
- Blanch the Broccolini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed broccolini and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain promptly and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Grill the Octopus: Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove octopus from the marinade and cook it for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until it is lightly charred and cooked through. Once done, set aside.
- Sauté the Broccolini: In the same pan, add a little olive oil and quickly sauté the blanched broccolini for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly crispy and charred to enhance its flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the sautéed broccolini on a serving platter. Top with the grilled baby octopus. Drizzle with the remaining citrus marinade or a bit of fresh olive oil for added brightness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, pre-cook the octopus by simmering it gently for 30 to 40 minutes before marinating.
- Serve this dish with crusty bread or over couscous for a more substantial meal.
- Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours to deepen the flavors further.
