How to Cook Greek-Style Grilled Octopus
Greek-style grilled octopus is a simple yet flavorful dish that is popular in Greece. It’s tender, smoky, and tastes like the sea. Here’s how you can make it at home, just like they do at Kiki’s!
Kiki’s NYC Reviews: The Grilled Octopus Experience
Ant Wirjo
Great vibes and great food! Highlight was the grilled octopus – would come back just for it. Was perfectly cooked and charcoaled!
Jono Eshleman
So much seating, perfect for a casual date or small group. No frills quality Greek cuisine w/plenty of offerings and formats to choose from. Stand outs are the grilled octopus and lemon potatoes. 4 stars because they accepted a “B” health inspection score :/ I hope Kiki’s turn that around soon so we can order guilt-free!
Jason Westerkon
Underwhelmed overall by the experience, though it wasn’t bad. We got grilled octopus (delicious), and the meat platter, which was extremely overflavored, and had a ton of dry distasteful sausage. Service was…fine. Nothing exceptional. Prices here are pretty reasonable. I probably wouldn’t come back, but it’s worth visiting if you want a buzzy atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- 1 large octopus (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Fresh oregano (or dried)
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Octopus
- Clean the Octopus: If your octopus isn’t already cleaned, remove the beak and innards. Rinse it well under cold water.
- Tenderize: Octopus can be tough, so tenderizing is important. You can freeze the octopus first, which naturally helps tenderize it. If fresh, you can pound it with a meat mallet to soften the flesh.
Step 2: Boil the Octopus
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Place the whole octopus into the simmering water. Cook for about 40-60 minutes until the octopus is tender. You can test this by piercing it with a fork; it should go through easily.
- Once cooked, remove the octopus from the pot and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Marinate the Octopus
- Cut the octopus into smaller pieces, separating the tentacles and body.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade.
- Toss the octopus pieces in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. You can also refrigerate it overnight for more flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Octopus
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the octopus pieces for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they get nice and charred. Brush them with extra marinade while grilling for more flavor.
- Remove from the grill and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Greek-style grilled octopus with lemon wedges, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. It’s perfect as an appetizer or part of a Mediterranean spread!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t skip the boiling step! This is key to making the octopus tender before grilling.
- If you want to add more flavor, you can add bay leaves, peppercorns, or a splash of white wine to the boiling water.
- Serve with fresh bread, a simple salad, and some tzatziki for a complete Greek meal.
Enjoy this delicious taste of Greece right at home! Grilled octopus is a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite at places like Kiki’s. Happy cooking!