Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe elevates seafood with a burst of citrus, heat, and smokiness, while the broccolini adds a fresh, crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the tender octopus. It’s a flavorful yet light dish that’s packed with nutrients, and it comes together in just 50 minutes, making it an easy yet impressive meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something unique, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound baby octopus, cleaned
- 2 cups broccolini, trimmed
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Octopus
Place the cleaned baby octopus in the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
3. Blanch the Broccolini
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccolini and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Drain the broccolini and immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
4. Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Grill the Octopus
Remove the octopus from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Grill the octopus for 3-4 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through. You’ll want a nice sear while keeping the octopus tender.
6. Cook the Broccolini
In a separate skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the blanched broccolini and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
7. Plate the Dish
Arrange the grilled octopus on a large serving platter. Serve the sautéed broccolini alongside it.
8. Garnish
Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top of the octopus and broccolini, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Storage/Reheating
This dish is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking the octopus.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccolini?
Yes! You can substitute broccolini with other leafy greens or vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, or green beans. Just be sure to blanch or sauté them as directed for the right texture.
What other spices can I add to the marinade?
If you like more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even sauté the octopus in a skillet. Just be sure to cook it quickly to prevent it from becoming tough.
Can I substitute the octopus with another seafood?
Certainly! If you don’t have access to octopus, you can substitute with squid, shrimp, or even fish. Just adjust the cooking times to match the seafood you use.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious.
Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, though the smoky flavor won’t be as pronounced. Alternatively, try adding a touch of liquid smoke or smoked salt to achieve a similar effect.
Conclusion
The Citrus-Spiced Baby Octopus with Crunchy Broccolini is a flavorful, vibrant dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious. With its bold citrus marinade and perfectly grilled octopus, complemented by the crisp broccolini, it’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or new to cooking octopus, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve it up as a showstopper entrée or a light, flavorful dinner that’s sure to please!
Citrus-Spiced Baby Octopus with Crunchy Broccolini: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill and Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
A vibrant dish combining tender, grilled baby octopus marinated in citrus and spices, served alongside sautéed broccolini for a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh.
Ingredients
1 pound baby octopus, cleaned
2 cups broccolini, trimmed
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cleaned baby octopus in the marinade and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then blanch the broccolini for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Drain and cool in ice water, then set aside.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the octopus for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- In a skillet, sauté the blanched broccolini in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.
- Arrange the grilled octopus on a platter and serve the sautéed broccolini alongside it.
- Drizzle remaining marinade over the top and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Substitute broccolini with other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or green beans.
Adjust the marinade with extra red pepper flakes or cayenne for more heat.
For a grill alternative, use a grill pan or skillet for octopus cooking.
Squid, shrimp, or fish can be used in place of octopus.
Make the marinade ahead of time for more flavor.
If smoked paprika is unavailable, regular paprika works, or add liquid smoke for a smoky taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
