Exquisite recipes with octopus.

Octopus, is a popular seafood ingredient that is enjoyed around the world. Its tender and slightly chewy texture, along with its mild, slightly sweet flavor, make it a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many delicious ways. From the traditional Spanish “Pulpo a la Gallega” to the Japanese “Takoyaki,” the possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with octopus. In this article, we’ll explore ten exquisite recipes that showcase the unique flavor and texture of this seafood delicacy. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your appetite. So, let’s dive in and discover the many delicious ways to enjoy octopus.

The benefits of eating octopus.🐙

Octopus is not only a delicious seafood delicacy, but it is also a nutritious food that offers a range of health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of including octopus in your diet:

1. Low in calories: Octopus is a low-calorie food, making it an excellent choice for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy diet.
2. High in protein: Octopus is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. A 100-gram serving of octopus provides about 30 grams of protein.
3. Rich in vitamins and minerals: Octopus is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc.
4. Low in fat: Octopus is a low-fat food, making it an excellent choice for those who are watching their fat intake.
5. Promotes heart health: Octopus is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving cholesterol levels.
6. May improve brain function: The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in octopus may also help to improve brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
7. May help with weight loss: The high protein content in octopus can help to promote satiety and reduce appetite, which may aid in weight loss efforts.

Countries where fishing and consuming octopus is illegal.🐙

Despite being a highly valued ingredient in the cuisine of many cultures, the fishing and consumption of octopus may be illegal in some countries due to conservation and sustainability reasons. The following are some countries where a total or partial prohibition on fishing and consumption of octopus has been implemented:

Mexico: In some regions of Mexico, the fishing and commercialization of octopus is prohibited during certain periods of the year to protect octopus populations during their breeding season.

Italy: Since 2019, the fishing of octopus in the Italian waters of the Mediterranean is prohibited to protect the biodiversity of the area.

Spain: In some coastal areas of Spain, such as the Canary Islands, the fishing of octopus is only permitted for local fishermen and in limited quantities.

Maldives: The fishing of octopus is illegal in the Maldives to protect octopus populations and other marine animals.

Philippines: Since 2019, fishing and collection of octopus is prohibited in some areas of the Philippines due to the decline of octopus populations.

👀 If you want to learn more curiosities, I invite you to read our article on Octopus: Explore their camouflage abilities.

The top 5 octopus recipes.🐙

When it comes to cooking with octopus, there are many delicious recipes to choose from. From traditional Mediterranean dishes to modern fusion cuisine, octopus is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. In this section, we have compiled a list of the top 5 octopus recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a curious cook looking to try something new, these recipes are a great way to showcase the unique flavors and textures of this amazing ingredient.

Galician-style octopus.

Is one of the most representative dishes of Spanish cuisine, originating from the region of Galicia. It is a simple but delicious recipe that is prepared with cooked octopus and seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt. Here are the ingredients and steps for preparation:

Ingredients:

• 1 octopus, about 2 kg
• 2 tablespoons coarse salt
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Cooked potatoes

Preparation steps:

1. Clean the octopus: wash it well and remove any sand and dirt.
2. In a large pot, add enough water to cover the octopus and add the coarse salt.
3. When the water begins to boil, add the octopus and let it cook for about 40-50 minutes, or until tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the octopus from the water and let it cool.
5. Cut the octopus into thin slices and place it on a large plate.
6. Sprinkle the paprika over the octopus and add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
7. Serve the octopus with the cooked potatoes and enjoy it with a glass of white wine.

Octopus with garlic.

Is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that is very popular in Mediterranean cuisine. This recipe combines the flavors of tender octopus and garlic, resulting in a dish that is bursting with flavor. Here are the ingredients and steps for preparation:

Ingredients:

• 1 octopus, about 2 kg
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation steps:

1. Clean the octopus: wash it well and remove any sand and dirt.
2. In a large pot, add enough water to cover the octopus and bring it to a boil.
3. When the water begins to boil, add the octopus and let it cook for about 40-50 minutes, or until tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the octopus from the water and let it cool.
5. Cut the octopus into small pieces and set aside.
6. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden brown.
7. Add the octopus to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it is heated through.
8. Sprinkle the sweet paprika and salt over the octopus, and stir to combine.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Rice with octopus.

Is a classic dish in Mediterranean cuisine that combines the flavors of tender octopus and flavorful rice. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are the ingredients and steps for preparation:

Ingredients:

• 1 octopus, about 2 kg
• 2 cups of rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 4 cups of fish or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup of white wine
• Olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation steps:

1. Clean the octopus: wash it well and remove any sand and dirt.
2. In a large pot, add enough water to cover the octopus and bring it to a boil.
3. When the water begins to boil, add the octopus and let it cook for about 40-50 minutes, or until tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the octopus from the water and let it cool. Cut the octopus into small pieces and set aside.
5. In a separate pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and red pepper to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
7. Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the vegetables.
8. Add the white wine to the pot and stir until it is absorbed.
9. Add the fish or vegetable stock to the pot and stir well.
10. Add the octopus to the pot and stir gently.
11. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
12. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
13. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Octopus in red wine.

Is a delicious and sophisticated dish that combines the unique flavor of octopus with the richness of red wine. Here are the ingredients and steps to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 1 large octopus (about 2 kg)
• 2 cups of red wine
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps:

1. Clean the octopus, removing the beak and the eyes. Rinse it well under running water.
2. Cut the octopus into small pieces.
3. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they are translucent.
4. Add the octopus to the pot and sauté for about 10 minutes until it releases its liquid.
5. Add the red wine, bay leaves, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
6. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour until the octopus is tender.
7. Remove the octopus from the pot and set it aside.
8. Reduce the remaining sauce until it thickens.
9. Pour the sauce over the octopus and garnish with chopped parsley.
10. Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

Octopus ceviche.

Is a popular seafood dish that originates from Latin America, particularly Peru. It’s a refreshing and healthy dish that’s perfect for warm weather and makes for a great appetizer or light meal. Here are the ingredients and steps to make this dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh octopus, cleaned and chopped
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
• 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)

Steps:

1. Cook the chopped octopus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until it turns opaque.
2. Drain the octopus and rinse with cold water.
3. In a bowl, combine the cooked octopus, sliced red onion, and diced jalapeño peppers.
4. Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice over the mixture and let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Add chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste and mix well.
6. Serve the ceviche cold, with diced avocado on top (optional). Enjoy!

Recommendations when eating Octopus.🐙

The octopus is a delicious and versatile ingredient in cooking, but it is important to consider certain recommendations when consuming it. It is essential to ensure that the octopus has been sustainably and responsibly caught, in order to not contribute to the decline of populations of this species. It is also important to cook it properly to avoid possible contamination risks. It is recommended to avoid excessive consumption of octopus, as it may contain high levels of cholesterol and sodium. Finally, it is advisable to accompany it with fresh and healthy ingredients to obtain a balanced diet. By following these recommendations, you can enjoy octopus safely and tastefully.