Exploring new seafood is exciting and opens up an array of recipe opportunities for you to try. Cooking with octopus may sound intimidating, but we’re here to walk you through the process. With several options to choose from, you’ll be dazzling your family with your seafood cuisine in no time.
Health Benefits of Octopus
Octopus is yet another healthy seafood choice with benefits ranging from heart health to reducing inflammation.
You’ll find octopus provides your body with a great source of omega, offering:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduction of stress on the heart
- Reduced chances of stroke
- Slow plaque buildup in the arteries
Octopus Taste and Texture
The flesh of an octopus is full of collagen and muscle fibers, giving it that rubbery look and feel. With enough heat and patience, its tough connective tissues begin to break down, creating tender gelatin. When prepared correctly, it offers an incredible buttery flavor and tender texture all the way through.
Frozen vs. Fresh Debate
While frozen octopus is typically easier to find, there is also an additional benefit to choosing frozen over fresh. Unlike other seafood options, a frozen octopus has a way of reaching optimal tenderness more quickly. If you choose to purchase fresh, ensure there is no hint of a fishy aroma for the freshest selection.
Preparing Your Octopus
If you purchase fresh octopus that is not pre-cleaned, be sure to:
- rinse and clean it well
- use a pairing knife to care a circle around the beak
- pull the beak to remove it, along with its internal organs and ink sac
Although they are typically pre-cleaned for you, do a quick check for any oversights before you begin cooking.
- Place your hand inside the slit that was made to clear out the head.
- Feel around for any debris and remove it.
- Flip the head inside out to ensure nothing is remaining.
- Rinse it out to further remove any bits of sand.
Choosing a Cooking Method for Octopus
There are several ways to prepare your octopus. While most will take some time for the best results, trust us when we say it will be worth it! Here are our favorite recommendations:
Boiling Octopus
The simplest method for incredibly tender octopus is boiling. Place it in a pot with just enough water to cover it. Bring water to a low simmer and allow to cook for approximately an hour and a half for approximately three pounds. You’ll know it’s perfectly tender when you can easily insert your knife between its head and legs. You can cut and serve after boiling or move on to your next cooking method after boiling to tenderize.
Grilling
Another favorite cooking method of ours is to grill the octopus following boiling. Using a high flame, carefully grill the octopus just long enough to barely crisp the outside of the octopus, leaving it tender and flavorful inside.
Sautéing
Sauteed seafood is always delicious. After your octopus is tender, slicing to your desired size will be easy. Add a touch of oil or butter, your favorite seasonings, and sauté for a few minutes. A garlic butter base with your favorite seasonings always makes a tasty choice.
Your next homemade octopus dish is only an online order away.