Grilled Octopus Mediterranean Seafood Recipe

Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the siren call of this Grilled Octopus Mediterranean Seafood. I am telling you, this is not just food. This is a vacation on a plate, much like the vibrant flavors you’ll find in a classic Shrimp Scampi with Capers & Tomatoes.

It’s the taste of a sun-drenched Greek island. Imagine tender, smoky octopus. It’s kissed by fire and dressed in the simplest, most magical lemon olive oil. Are you ready for this? Let’s go!

This recipe is my absolute obsession. It turns something that seems fancy into the most fun, flavorful weeknight win. I promise you, it’s easier than you think. And the results? Pure magic.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek
• Category: Appetizer or Main Course
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus optional tenderizing time)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes (plus prep)
• Servings: 2-4 as an appetizer

Do You Love This Recipe Too?

My love affair started on a tiny dock in Greece. I watched a fisherman grill octopus right off his boat. The smell alone was life-changing.

He served it with nothing but lemon, oil, and oregano. I took one bite and my eyes literally rolled back in my head. I knew I had to make it at home.

After many (many!) tries, I cracked the code. Now I make this for every special gathering. It always, always steals the show. Come to Mama, perfect octopus!

My Shopping List for This Recipe

This dish is all about a few superstar ingredients. You want the best you can find. Freshness is your best friend here.

Don’t be scared of the octopus! Many fishmongers and grocery stores now carry it pre-cleaned. That’s a huge time-saver.

Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready

Gather everything before you start. It comes together fast once the grill is hot. Trust me on this—it makes everything smoother.

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds octopus, cleaned (thawed if frozen)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (Greek if you have it!)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Sea salt, for finishing
• Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)

Here we go! The fun part. Fire up that grill and get ready for some serious flavor. Follow these steps and you’ll be a pro.

1. Prep the Octopus: Pat your octopus completely dry with paper towels. This is the secret for a good sear! If it’s very large, you can cut the tentacles apart for easier handling.
2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the 1/3 cup olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, and black pepper. This marinade is liquid gold.
3. Coat It Well: Place the octopus in a dish or bag. Pour most of the marinade over it, reserving a little for later. Toss to coat every single sucker. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes while you heat the grill.
4. Get the Grill Hot: Heat your grill to medium-high. You want those grates screaming hot. Brush them lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill to Perfection: Place the octopus on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. You’re looking for beautiful, deep char marks and a slightly crispy texture.
6. Rest and Serve: Transfer your gorgeous grilled octopus to a platter. Drizzle with the reserved marinade and a fresh glug of olive oil. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and fresh herbs. Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Dig in!

Fun Variations to Try Next Time

Once you master the basic recipe, play around! It’s so fun to mix it up. Here are a few of my favorite twists.

Add a big pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. It gives the most amazing slow, warm heat. So good!

Swap the lemon for a juicy orange. The sweetness pairs amazingly with the smoky char. It’s a whole new vibe.

Finish it with a crumble of creamy feta cheese and some chopped Kalamata olives. This turns it into a full, incredible salad, reminiscent of the rich, savory notes in a hearty Mediterranean Olive Beef Stew.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but let’s pretend!). Here’s how to handle them. It’s still fantastic the next day.

Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor actually gets better!

I don’t recommend freezing cooked octopus. It can become rubbery. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

To reheat, do it gently. A quick flash in a hot skillet or 30 seconds under the broiler works. Don’t microwave it, or it will get tough.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g (mostly healthy fats)
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

*Estimated per serving for 4 appetizer portions. This is a protein powerhouse!

A Quick Q&A on This Recipe

Do I have to boil the octopus first to make it tender?

Great question! You don’t *have* to, but you can. Many traditional recipes do a slow simmer first. My method skips it for speed, assuming you get good quality, already-tender octopus. If you’re worried, simmering it for 45-60 minutes in water first guarantees melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make this without a grill?

Absolutely! A screaming hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan is your best indoor friend. Get it smoking hot, add a tiny bit of oil, and sear away. You’ll still get amazing color and flavor. No grill, no problem!

What should I serve with this?

Oh, the possibilities! I love it on a big platter with grilled lemon halves. It’s perfect with a crisp Greek salad, some warm pita bread, or a bowl of creamy tzatziki for dipping. A cold glass of Assyrtiko wine makes it a party. For a completely different but equally comforting meal, you have to try these indulgent Crack Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

And there you have it! My ultimate guide to grilled octopus bliss. This recipe is my heart on a plate. I make it when I want to feel like I’m on a seaside cliff, watching the sunset.

It’s impressive but so simple. The char, the lemon, the herbs… it’s just perfect. I am so excited for you to try this. You are going to absolutely rock it.

I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!