Portuguese Grilled Octopus with Garlic Butter

Introduction

Grilling octopus to perfection is easier than you think, and using the Arteflame Grill makes it even better. This Portuguese-style grilled octopus is rich in flavor, featuring a golden sear, tender texture, and a mouthwatering garlic butter drizzle. The high heat of the center grill grate locks in the juices, while the flat cooktop griddle ensures even cooking. Follow this technique to impress your guests with an authentic, restaurant-quality dish right at home!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs octopus, cleaned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place napkins into the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the oil-soaked napkins and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to heat.

Step 2: Pre-Cook the Octopus

1. Rinse the octopus under cold water.
2. Place the octopus directly onto the outer edge of the Arteflame flat cooktop griddle.
3. Slow-cook for 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.

Step 3: Sear the Octopus

1. Move the tender octopus to the center grill grate over 1,000°F heat.
2. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly charred.
3. Remove from the heat when the internal temperature reaches 15°F below the target doneness.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Drizzle generously over the grilled octopus.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice the grilled octopus into bite-sized pieces.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

• For extra tenderness, massage the octopus with salt and rinse before grilling.
• Slow-cooking on the outer griddle ensures a perfectly tender texture before searing.
• Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Portuguese Octopus: Add a chopped chili pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
2. Citrus Herb Octopus: Replace lemon juice with orange juice and add fresh thyme for a bright and herbal taste.
3. Garlic Lemon Pepper Octopus: Use extra garlic and lemon zest for a sharper, zestier profile.
4. Smoky Paprika Octopus: Increase the smoked paprika and add a pinch of cayenne for a deeper smoky, spicy flavor.
5. Butter Herb Octopus: Mix in some fresh rosemary and oregano into the butter drizzle for extra aroma.

Best Pairings

• Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
• A crisp white wine such as Vinho Verde
• Warm crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce
• Portuguese-style roasted potatoes

Conclusion

Achieving the perfect grilled octopus is easy with the Arteflame Grill. Searing at high temperatures locks in moisture, while the flat cooktop griddle ensures even cooking. Whether you go for the classic recipe or try a flavorful variation, this Portuguese-style grilled octopus is sure to impress. Enjoy with family and friends!