Description
This Citrus-Spiced Baby Octopus with Crunchy Broccolini dish is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired recipe that combines tender grilled octopus with zesty citrus flavors and charred broccolini. Perfect for a seafood dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Baby Octopus:
- 2 lbs baby octopus, cleaned
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- zest and juice of 1 orange
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and black pepper to taste
Broccolini:
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Octopus: In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, garlic, smoked paprika, coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Add baby octopus and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours.
- Blanch the Octopus: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch octopus for 1–2 minutes, then drain well.
- Grill the Octopus: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill octopus for 2–3 minutes per side until slightly charred and tender.
- Prepare the Broccolini: Toss broccolini with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill or sauté for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly charred.
- Serve: Arrange octopus and broccolini on a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, finish the octopus with a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, blanching
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
