Albanian Style Grilled Octopus on Arteflame
Introduction
Grilled octopus is a delicacy, and when you cook it on an Arteflame grill, you get the perfect combination of crispy char and a tender, juicy interior. This Albanian-style grilled octopus recipe brings out the simple yet bold flavors of olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs, making it an unforgettable dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs octopus tentacles, cleaned
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Vegetable oil for lighting the grill
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins in the center of the grill and stack firewood on top.
- Light the napkins and wait for around 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready.
Step 2: Prepare the octopus
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Coat the octopus tentacles in the marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Sear the octopus
- Place the octopus tentacles on the center grill grate over high heat (1,000°F) for about 2 minutes per side until charred.
Step 4: Move to the flat cooktop
- Transfer the seared tentacles to the griddle cooktop to cook through gently.
- Cook for an additional 8–10 minutes, occasionally flipping, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Step 5: Remove and rest
- Remove the tentacles from the grill when they reach 115°F, as they will continue cooking off the heat.
- Let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve
- Drizzle additional melted butter over the octopus.
- Garnish with more parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Use fresh octopus for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the octopus rest to retain its juices.
- If using frozen octopus, thaw it completely before marinating.
- For extra char, press the tentacles down slightly on the grill grate.
Variations
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Spicy Garlic: Add extra minced garlic and chili flakes for a fiery touch.
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Herb-Infused: Use rosemary and thyme instead of oregano.
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Citrus Delight: Add orange zest and juice for a citrusy twist.
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Smoky BBQ: Brush with smoked BBQ sauce before grilling.
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Mediterranean Blend: Include sundried tomatoes and feta for a Mediterranean feel.
Conclusion
Cooking octopus on the Arteflame grill brings out its best flavors, with a perfect char and a succulent interior. This simple yet flavorful Albanian-style grilled octopus recipe is ideal for a unique and delicious grilling experience.
Best Pairings
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
- Warm pita bread
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- A fresh cucumber and tomato salad
- Garlic-infused mashed potatoes