Description
Transform octopus into a tender and flavorful dish with this Easy Baked Mediterranean Octopus recipe, enhanced by olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 2.5 – 3 pounds (1.1 – 1.4 kg) octopus (fresh or thawed)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 allspice kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 whole garlic clove, skin on (optional)
- Additional olive oil and balsamic vinegar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Clean the octopus if it’s not pre-cleaned. Remove the eyes, internal organs, and beak.
- Tenderize the octopus by lightly pounding it if it wasn’t frozen.
- Lay two sheets of foil in a cross pattern and place a piece of baking paper in the center. Put the octopus on top.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the octopus and sprinkle with bay leaves, allspice, oregano, and optional garlic.
- Wrap the foil tightly around the octopus.
- Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 90 minutes.
- After the time is up, check for tenderness; if still tough, wrap and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove from foil, slice into pieces, and drizzle with extra olive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
Consider marinating the octopus ahead of time to enhance flavor. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.