How to Make Grilled Octopus with Pelops Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Capers
Grilled octopus is a delicious Mediterranean seafood dish loved for its tender texture and smoky flavor. Many people ask: “How grilled octopus?” or “Is grilled octopus good?” This recipe not only answers these questions but also shows you how to create a restaurant-quality dish at home using Pelops Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
If you’re curious about the difference between grilled octopus vs squid, octopus offers a meatier texture and richer flavor, while squid is softer and milder. Using high-quality olive oil like Pelops EVOO makes a noticeable difference, bringing out the delicate taste of the seafood.
If you love Mediterranean flavors, don’t miss our authentic gyros recipe
— another perfect way to showcase Pelops EVOO.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1.2 kg fresh or thawed octopus
- 2 bay leaves
- 4–5 black peppercorns
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 lemon (zested + cut in wedges)
- 3 tbsp Pelops Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus more for finishing)
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Sea salt & cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Tenderize the Octopus
Bring a large pot of water to a simmer with bay leaves, peppercorns, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Submerge the octopus and simmer gently for 40–50 minutes, until tender (a knife should pierce easily). Let it cool in its liquid, then drain and pat dry.
2. Prepare the Grill
Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Lightly brush the octopus with Pelops Extra Virgin Olive Oil
and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill for Char and Flavor
Grill tentacles 3–4 minutes per side until lightly charred and crisp on the edges.
4. Plate and Garnish
Slice into bite-size pieces. Drizzle generously with Pelops EVOO, sprinkle with lemon zest, chopped parsley, and capers. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Tips
Pair grilled octopus with crusty sourdough bread to soak up the olive oil. Serve with a chilled white wine or light Mediterranean salad. Perfect for entertaining guests or a special family dinner. If you want a full Mediterranean feast, try our gyros recipe
for a complete menu.
Why Use Pelops Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
High-quality olive oil like Pelops EVOO enhances seafood dishes with:
- A fruity, rich flavor that complements octopus perfectly
- Healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- A luxurious touch that makes home-cooked dishes taste like fine dining
Grilled Octopus vs Grilled Squid
- Texture: Octopus is meatier, squid is softer.
- Flavor: Octopus has a richer, more robust flavor, while squid is milder.
Cooking tips: Both benefit from high heat and quality olive oil, but octopus often needs simmering first to tenderize.
