Grilled Octopus Greek Style 🔥
A tender, smoky, lemony delight straight from the Aegean!
If you’ve ever strolled along the sun-drenched shores of Greece, chances are you’ve seen octopus hanging to dry near seaside tavernas — a sure sign of something delicious to come. This Grilled Octopus Greek Style brings those summer island vibes straight to your kitchen. It’s tender, charred to perfection, and infused with bold Mediterranean flavors like olive oil, lemon, oregano, and garlic.
Whether you’re serving it as a meze, a main course, or part of a seafood spread, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 kg fresh or frozen octopus
- 100 ml olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Octopus
- Fresh Octopus: Clean thoroughly — remove the beak and rinse under cold water.
- Frozen Octopus: Thaw completely before cooking.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then simmer the octopus gently for 30–40 minutes, until fork-tender. Once cooked, remove from water and let cool slightly before handling.
2️⃣ Marinate
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Dried oregano
- Sweet paprika
- Salt & black pepper
Cut the octopus into medium-sized pieces, then add them to the marinade. Let sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
3️⃣ Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill octopus pieces for 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely golden with a slightly crisp, smoky exterior.
4️⃣ Plate & Serve
Arrange grilled octopus on a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve with:
- A classic Greek salad
- Warm pita bread
- Or a side of roasted potatoes and tzatziki
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Boiling first is key to getting that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture — grilling alone won’t do the trick.
- If using frozen octopus, you may even find it becomes more tender after thawing, as freezing helps break down some of the fibers.
- Want extra char? Let the marinade caramelize slightly on the grill, but keep a close eye to avoid burning the garlic.
Nutrition Info
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Marinade Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
This dish is a beautiful celebration of simple ingredients and bold flavors, just like they do it in Greece. Perfect for warm nights, seafood feasts, or anytime you’re dreaming of the Aegean coast!
