Fried Octopus Recipe

Preparing this crispy fried octopus dish is a culinary adventure that rewards patience with layers of flavor and texture. Tender from a slow simmer and gorgeously crisped in olive oil, each bite is elevated by a spritz of lemon and the earthiness of smoked paprika—truly a taste of the ocean kissed by the sun!

Through my culinary adventures, I have found fried octopus to be a delightful dish that transforms seafood into a crispy, flavorful experience. I love combining tender octopus with aromatic spices like smoked paprika, garlic, and bay leaves to enhance its natural flavors.

Adding lemon juice and fresh parsley brightens and complements the dish, while frying in olive oil adds a rich, satisfying texture. This recipe provides a good source of protein and essential minerals, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Fried Octopus Recipe Ingredients

• Octopus: A lean source of protein, rich in vitamin B12 and selenium.
• Lemon: Adds a refreshing citrus flavor, high in vitamin C.
• Garlic: Enhances savory notes, provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
• Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky, slightly sweet flavor; contains capsaicin and antioxidants.

Fried Octopus Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium octopus (about 2 to 3 pounds)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Olive oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make this Fried Octopus Recipe

1. Wash the octopus well under running cold water to get rid of any dirt.

2. In a sizable pot, mix together the octopus, the onion cut into quarters, and bay leaves and garlic that have been smashed. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the octopus and heat until the mixture boils.

3. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the octopus until tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. A fork should easily pierce the octopus.

4. After it is cooked, take the octopus from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Slice the octopus into the kinds of sections you want to serve. Either serve the sections whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces.

5. In a shallow bowl, combine the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

6. In a large skillet, add copious amounts of olive oil and place over a medium-high flame. Heat the oil until it shimmers.

7. Coat the octopus pieces in the flour mixture, then give them a good shake to remove any excess.

8. Heat the oil in the pan until it is very hot. Carefully add the octopus pieces, frying them until they turn a nice golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. If your pan is not large enough, fry the octopus in batches.

9. Take the fried octopus out of the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. For added brightness, squirt some fresh lemon juice over the top.

10. The fried octopus is best served with lemon wedges and a dusting of fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately for maximum crispiness.

Fried Octopus Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Skillet
6. Tongs
7. Fork
8. Paper towels
9. Slotted spoon
10. Shallow bowl
11. Lemon juicer

FAQ

• What is the best way to tenderize octopus before frying?The best way to make sure the octopus becomes tender before frying is to boil it with the onion, bay leaves, and garlic until tender.
• Can I use frozen octopus for this recipe?You can use frozen octopus. Just make sure to thaw it completely and clean it before cooking.
• How long should I boil the octopus?Cook the octopus in boiling water for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until it becomes tender when tested with a fork.
• What type of oil is recommended for frying the octopus?Frying the octopus in olive oil is recommended, as it adds flavor and handles the heat well for this recipe.
• Is it necessary to remove the skin from the octopus before frying?Removing the skin is not a must. Some individuals like to leave the skin on for extra texture and taste.
• What is the purpose of adding smoked paprika to the flour?Smoked paprika gives the fried octopus a depth of flavor and a color that practically screams, “Look at me! I’m octopus!”
• How should I serve the fried octopus?Present the lemon wedges alongside the fried octopus and fresh parsley, making for a bright, zesty finish.

Fried Octopus Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 onion, quartered – Substitute with 1 shallot, quartered.
1 teaspoon garlic powder, for 4 cloves garlic, crushed. A 1:4 substitute. Garlic powder is made from dehydrated garlic and has about 60% of the flavor of fresh garlic. It works well in dry or moist preparations.
1 lime, juiced – Substitute with 1 lemon, juiced
Vegetable oil, for frying – Substitute with olive oil.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Substitute: 1 teaspoon regular paprika or 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder.

Pro Tips

1. Tenderizing Tip Before cooking, massage the octopus with some coarse salt and rinse it well. This helps to tenderize the meat and remove any remaining surface slime.

2. Flavor Enhancement Consider adding a splash of white wine to the simmering water with the octopus. This can add an extra depth of flavor as the octopus cooks.

3. Oil Temperature Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) for optimal frying. This ensures a crispy exterior without soaking up too much oil.

4. Avoid Overcrowding Fry the octopus in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in a less crispy texture.

5. Resting the Fried Octopus After frying, briefly rest the octopus on a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from softening the crispy coating.