Authentic Portuguese Grilled Octopus with Garlic Butter (Polvo à Lagareiro)

Introduction

There is something profoundly magical about Portuguese cuisine; it relies on the simplicity of high-quality ingredients to tell a story of the sea. If you have ever felt intimidated by the prospect of cooking octopus at home, fearing a rubbery result, this recipe is your culinary liberation. By combining a slow, gentle simmer with the intense, searing heat of the Arteflame grill, we achieve a texture that is impossibly tender on the inside with a beautifully crisp, smoky exterior. This dish, reminiscent of the classic Polvo à Lagareiro, celebrates the marriage of ocean brine and the earthy richness of garlic butter.

Bringing the salty, sun-drenched flavors of the Iberian Peninsula to your backyard is easier than you might think. The secret lies in the two-step cooking process: tenderizing the meat first, then finishing it over open fire to lock in flavor. Whether you are hosting an elegant summer dinner party or simply looking to elevate your weekend grilling rotation, this Portuguese grilled octopus draped in golden garlic butter will instantly transport you to a seaside tavern in Lisbon. Prepare for a meal that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Octopus Boil

• 1 whole octopus (approx. 2-3 lbs), cleaned
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and halved
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cork (optional, traditional method for tenderizing)
• Water (enough to cover the octopus)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce & Grilling

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon (halved for grilling)

Instructions

Step 1: Tenderizing the Octopus

1. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the octopus under cold water to remove any grit.
2. In a large stockpot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the halved onion, bay leaves, and the cork if you are using one.
3. To curl the tentacles for a beautiful presentation, dip the octopus tentacles into the boiling water three times, holding it by the head, before fully submerging it.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The octopus is done when a fork slides easily into the thickest part of the tentacle.
5. Remove from heat, drain, and let it cool slightly. Cut the tentacles from the head and set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Arteflame Grill

1. Build a medium-hot fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want the center grill grate to be hot for searing, while the flat cooktop griddle should reach a medium-high heat for sautéing.
2. Lightly oil the flat cooktop surface to ensure a non-stick cooking area.
3. While the grill heats up, pat the boiled octopus tentacles completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.

Step 3: Making the Garlic Butter

1. Place a small cast-iron skillet or heat-safe sauce pot directly on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame.
2. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing them to melt together.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Let this mixture simmer gently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Remove the skillet to a cooler outer edge of the cooktop to keep warm without burning.

Step 4: Grilling the Octopus

1. Brush the octopus tentacles generously with a little bit of the garlic butter mixture.
2. Place the tentacles directly on the searing grate for a smoky char, or on the hot flat top for an even crust. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. You are looking for crispy suckers and a golden-brown char; since the octopus is already cooked, you are simply adding texture and flavor.
4. Place the lemon halves, cut side down, on the grill for 2 minutes until caramelized.

Step 5: Final Assembly

1. Remove the octopus from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
2. Pour the remaining warm garlic butter sauce over the tentacles.
3. Squeeze the grilled lemon juice over the dish and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a crack of black pepper.

Tips

The difference between a tough octopus and a buttery-soft one is almost entirely in the boiling stage. Do not rush this process; low and slow simmering breaks down the collagen fibers. If you are unsure if it is ready, taste a small piece near the thickest part of the tentacle—it should offer zero resistance. Once boiled, allow the octopus to cool to room temperature before grilling; this helps the skin adhere to the meat so it doesn't slide off when you flip it on the grill grate.

Regarding the "cork" method listed in the ingredients: this is an old fisherman's tale widely practiced in Portugal and Spain. While science has yet to definitively prove that the enzymes in cork tenderize the meat, tradition dictates it is an essential part of the ritual. Whether it works via chemistry or superstition, it never hurts to add one to the pot! Finally, ensure your grill is fully heated before adding the seafood to prevent sticking.

Variations

While the classic garlic butter and lemon combination is a crowd-pleaser, octopus is a versatile protein that absorbs bold flavors beautifully. Depending on your palate, you can easily shift the flavor profile from Mediterranean to something with a bit more heat or herbal complexity. Here are a few ways to customize this dish:

• Spicy Piri-Piri: Add a tablespoon of piri-piri sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a fiery Portuguese kick.
• Herbaceous Green Sauce: Swap the butter for a cold sauce made of blended cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, and garlic (Molho Verde).
• Chorizo Crumble: Sauté small cubes of Spanish chorizo on the Arteflame flat top and sprinkle them over the finished octopus for added texture and savory depth.
• Asian Fusion: Glaze the octopus with a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and honey during the last minute of grilling.
• Citrus Burst: Use lime and orange zest in the butter instead of just lemon for a brighter, fruitier finish.

Best pairings

To create a truly authentic Portuguese feast, you must serve this grilled octopus with Batatas a Murro (smashed potatoes). Boil small new potatoes until tender, lightly smash them with your fist, and roast them on the Arteflame flat top with olive oil and coarse salt until crispy. The starchiness of the potatoes is the perfect vessel for soaking up the excess garlic butter sauce.

For beverages, nothing cuts through the richness of the butter and the smokiness of the char like a chilled glass of Vinho Verde. This young Portuguese green wine offers a slight effervescence and high acidity that cleanses the palate between bites. If you prefer beer, a light, crisp pilsner pairs wonderfully with the seafood. Add a simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and onions dressed with vinegar to add a fresh, crunchy element to the heavy, savory meal.

Conclusion

Mastering this Portuguese Grilled Octopus recipe on your Arteflame allows you to explore the sophisticated side of outdoor cooking. It moves beyond the standard burgers and steaks, offering your guests a dining experience that feels curated, exotic, and incredibly special. The smokiness imparted by the grill elevates the natural sweetness of the octopus, creating a depth of flavor that oven-roasting simply cannot replicate.

We hope this recipe inspires you to visit your local fishmonger and fire up the grill this weekend. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience during the boil, you can create a restaurant-quality masterpiece right in your own backyard. Gather your friends, pour the wine, and enjoy the rich, garlicky goodness of this Iberian classic.