Perfectly Poached Octopus with Lemon-Herb Potatoes

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy cook an octopus that's not chewy like a rubber band? Me too! This perfectly poached octopus recipe delivers just that. Imagine tender octopus, kissed with lemon and herbs.

Brief Overview

This Mediterranean octopus dish hails from sunny coastal traditions. It's a medium difficulty recipe. The whole thing takes around 1 hour 50 minutes. It serves 4 hungry people.

Main Benefits

Octopus is packed with protein and essential nutrients. This easy octopus recipe is perfect for a classy dinner party. What makes it special? The perfectly tender texture and bright, fresh flavors.

Right then, let's dive into the ingredients! We'll start with what you need to get the octopus with lemon potatoes absolutely spot on.

Get Your Octopus Ready

You'll need one octopus, around 2-3 lbs. also, grab a bottle of dry white wine, like sauvignon blanc. i once tried using a chardonnay, honestly, it wasn't the same.

And some veg: an onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and a lemon. plus, a bay leaf, black peppercorns, and sea salt.

Don't skimp on the salt! it really brings out the flavour of the tender octopus .

Luscious Lemon Potatoes

For the potatoes, you'll need 2 lbs of small new potatoes. olive oil, fresh rosemary and thyme are essential. and of course, lemon zest and juice, plus garlic, sea salt, and pepper.

Honestly, this is one of the best octopus recipes out there!

Perfectly Poached Octopus with Lemon-Herb Potatoes Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:01 Hrs 30 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 octopus (about 2-3 lbs/900g-1.4kg), cleaned
• 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• Sea salt to taste
• 2 lbs (900g) small new potatoes, halved or quartered if large
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Rinse the octopus thoroughly under cold water. Remove the beak (if not already removed) by gently squeezing around the mouth.
• Place the octopus in the large pot. Add the white wine, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, lemon halves, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Add enough water to cover the octopus completely. Season generously with salt.
• Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the octopus is very tender. Check tenderness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of a tentacle – it should pierce easily with little resistance.
• While the octopus is poaching, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
• Roast the potatoes for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
• Once the octopus is tender, remove it from the poaching liquid and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice the tentacles into bite-sized pieces.
• Arrange the roasted potatoes on a platter and top with the sliced octopus. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:20g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Seafood

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Kraken!

Right, so you wanna cook an octopus like a boss? first, let's talk shop. you know, the bits and bobs you'll need to make this mediterranean octopus dream a reality.

Trust me, this poached octopus recipe is easier than you think.

What You'll Need: Octopus Edition

• Octopus: 1 octopus ( 2-3 lbs/900g-1.4kg ), cleaned. Look for firm flesh and a fresh, sea-like smell. Avoid anything that smells fishy! Honestly, I once got an octopus that smelled like old socks. Never again.
• White Wine: 1 bottle (750ml) dry white. Sauvignon Blanc works great.
• Veggies: 1 large onion (quartered), 2 carrots (roughly chopped), 2 celery stalks (roughly chopped), 4 cloves garlic (crushed).
• Citrus: 1 lemon (halved).
• Spices: 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp black peppercorns, Sea salt to taste.

Seasoning Secrets

Alright, the magic is in the aromatics. we're talkin' bay leaf, peppercorns, and that all-important lemon. salt is your friend here.

Be generous. for a cheeky twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little zing.

Potato Power!

• New Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) small new potatoes. Halve or quarter them.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp fresh thyme.
• Lemon: Zest of 1 lemon, Juice of 1/2 lemon.
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic (minced).
• Seasoning: Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Essential Equipment for an Easy Octopus Recipe

You don't need a fancy kitchen, promise!

• Big Pot: A large pot or Dutch oven.
• Baking Sheet: For those Octopus with Lemon Potatoes .
• Tongs: For wrangling the octopus.
• Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer (optional). I like to use it, especially when I need to ensure that the tender octopus is cooked to perfection.

Quick Swaps

No rosemary? No worries. Use dried herbs (about 1 tsp each of rosemary and thyme). No white wine? Chicken broth or vegetable broth will do the trick. Just keep it simple.

Now you are ready to start and cook an octopus in the best possible way.

Perfectly Poached Octopus: The Mediterranean Way

Alright, let's talk octopus. i know, i know, it can seem intimidating. but honestly, cooking octopus with lemon potatoes isn't nearly as scary as it sounds.

Trust me! forget those rubbery experiences you might have had. we're going for tender deliciousness. i'm gonna show you how to cook an octopus the mediterranean way.

It's easier than you think!

Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row

Before we dive in, let's get our mise en place sorted. it just means "everything in its place" in fancy chef language.

Chop your veggies, get your wine ready. have everything at hand so you're not scrambling later. also, make sure that your octopus is cleaned properly.

You really don't want to find beak while eating this! remove the beak and the ink sac.

Step-by-Step: Octopus Perfection

1. Rinse your cleaned octopus under cold water.
2. Pop it into a large pot with a bottle ( 750ml ) of dry white wine, quartered onion, chopped carrots and celery, crushed garlic, lemon halves, a bay leaf, and peppercorns.
3. Add water to completely cover the octopus . Season generously with salt – don't be shy!
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1 to 1. 5 hours .
5. While the octopus is poaching, preheat oven to 400° F ( 200° C) and roast your lemon-herb potatoes.
6. Once the octopus is tender, let it rest for 10- 15 minutes . Then, slice those tentacles.
7. Serve the octopus atop the roasted potatoes and drizzle with a little olive oil. Boom! Dinner is served!

Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for Success

Don't overcook it! overcooked octopus is the devil. simmer gently and check for tenderness. wine makes a difference! pick one you'd actually drink.

And salt is your friend. don't be shy when seasoning the poaching liquid. i love to make sure the octopus is perfectly tender

Let's Wrap It Up!

So there you have it! how to cook octopus tentacles without ending up with a rubbery mess. with a little patience, you can create a seriously impressive dish that's perfect for a special occasion.

Or, you know, a tuesday. enjoy this easy octopus recipe , and tell me how it went. now go on, get in that kitchen and cook an octopus like a proper chef!.

Give this grilled octopus recipe spanish twist a try.

Recipe Notes: Octopus Done Right!

Right then, before you dive in and cook an octopus , let's run through some helpful bits and bobs. think of it as a quick debriefing, yeah? it's all about making sure your mediterranean octopus turns out perfectly .

Honestly, it's easier than you think.

Plating Like a Pro (Serving Suggestions)

Presentation matters, doesn't it? you want it to look as good as it tastes. i reckon a rustic platter is the way to go.

Imagine those lovely lemon potatoes piled high, topped with glistening slices of poached octopus . a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs seals the deal.

For sides, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works a treat. to drink? something crisp and dry like an albariño.

Keeping it Fresh (Storage Tips)

Leftovers are your friend! you can store any leftover tender octopus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't ideal as it can affect the texture. to reheat, gently warm the octopus in a pan with a little olive oil or bake the octopus and potatoes together at 350° f ( 175° c) until warmed through.

Mix it Up (Variations)

Fancy a change? go spicy! add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the poaching liquid for a bit of kick.

Or, after poaching your how to cook octopus tentacles , give them a quick grill for that smoky flavour. this recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is a bonus.

Don't have wine? chicken broth or vegetable broth work fine.

The Good Stuff (Nutrition Basics)

Okay, let's talk about the nitty-gritty. one serving of this easy octopus recipe clocks in around 450 calories. you get a hefty 35g of protein, 20g of fat, and 30g of carbs.

Octopus is a good source of iron and vitamin b12, important for energy and nerve function. this grilled octopus recipe spanish style is also packed with flavor and healthy fats.

So, there you have it! with these tips, you're all set to cook an octopus like a pro. have a go at the greek grilled octopus , you will not be disappointed! you know what to do.

Trust me, once you nail this poached octopus recipe , you'll be showing off to all your mates and family.

Now, get cooking, and enjoy.