Pescatarian Octopus with Olive Oil and Lemon
Tender, garlicky, and bright with citrus, this Mediterranean-style dish is the kind of thing that looks impressive on a platter but comes together with surprisingly little fuss. The octopus is gently simmered with bay leaf and peppercorns until perfectly yielding, then tossed while still warm in a punchy dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, zest, and oregano — so every piece soaks up all that flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the clean, briny sweetness of the seafood. This is exactly the style of dish you'd find at a seaside taverna, and it translates beautifully to a home kitchen. Seafood-forward eating can sometimes feel limited to salmon and shrimp, but octopus is a deeply satisfying protein that rewards a little patience during the simmer. Finished with a scatter of fresh flat-leaf parsley and a squeeze of lemon at the table, it's elegant enough for a dinner party but honest enough for a weeknight when you want something genuinely special.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the octopus
- 2 lb octopus, cleaned (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 whole black peppercorns
For the dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Place the octopus in a large pot with the bay leaf and peppercorns. Add enough cold water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer.
- 2
Simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until the thickest part of a tentacle is tender when pierced with a knife and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads at least 145°F (63°C). Cooking time will vary with the size of the octopus — start checking at 45 minutes.
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