Baby Octopus Salad Recipes

BABY OCTOPUS SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse octopuses under cold water, then cover with water by 2 inches in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot. Bring to a boil with bay leaf, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until octopuses are tender (tentacles can easily be pierced with a fork), about 45 minutes.
• Transfer octopuses to a colander with tongs, then discard cooking liquid and bay leaf. When cool enough to handle, cut off and discard heads and halve octopuses lengthwise. Cool to room temperature.
• Whisk together oil, lemon juice, sea salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss octopuses with dressing and marinate, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes at room temperature.

GRILLED BABY OCTOPUS

Steps:

• Boil octopus in salted water until cooked through (check inside with a paring knife), 15 to 20 minutes. To a metal bowl add oil, oregano, pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper, then add octopus and toss.
• Preheat a grill to high heat.
• Place octopus on the grill for 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer back to bowl and back to grill. Repeat this step a few times. Finally, put octopus back in bowl and add balsamic vinegar. Toss well, then serve over baby greens.

GREEK GRILLED BABY OCTOPUS SALAD

Steps:

• Place potato slices in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Boil for 2 minutes and drain thoroughly.
• Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and potatoes and saute until potatoes are light golden.
• Char-grill or BBQ the octopus until opaque. (Don't over cook as the octopus will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat).
• Combine warm octopus and potatoes with lemon juice, olives, rocket and herbs.
• Serve warm with lemon wedges.

OCTOPUS SALAD

Steps:

• Cut off and discard head of octopus, then cut tentacles into 1-inch pieces. Generously cover octopus with water in a heavy medium pot and gently simmer, uncovered, until tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Drain octopus in a colander and cool to room temperature, then transfer to a bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and additional sea salt to taste.
• Let stand 30 minutes for flavors to develop.