Can I substitute the ingredients in grilled octopus skewers?

Absolutely! You can substitute some of the ingredients to suit your taste and needs. Seafood: If you can’t find octopus or prefer other seafood, shrimp, scallops, or firm white fish like halibut or cod can be excellent substitutes. Bell Pepper: Feel free to use any color of bell pepper or substitute it with other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. Oil: Olive oil is recommended, but you can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Lemon Juice: If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is always best for flavor.

Grilled Octopus Skewers Recipe

Name: Grilled Octopus Skewers Mediterranean Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 11 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound (450 g) octopus; 1 red bell pepper(s); 2 red onion(s); 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1 lemon(s); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; optional chili flakes; to taste salt; to taste fresh cracked pepper

Nutrition

Please note that I am not a nutritionist. The nutrition information is provided for reference only and is approximate. It is calculated using one of the online calculators, like this one.

1 skewer

Serving Size

281

Calories

23.2 g

Protein

12.7 g

Fat

23 g

Carbohydrates

1.8 g

Saturated Fat

12.5 g

Sugar

0 mg

Cholesterol

6.8 g

Fiber

54 mg

Sodium

About recipe

If you’re a seafood lover, this Grilled Octopus Skewers or Kabobs recipe is a must-try for you!

It’s not just about grilling octopus; it’s about combining flavors and textures to create a dish that’s both sophisticated and utterly delicious.

This detailed and precise recipe will ensure you achieve perfect results every time, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills. 🙂

Which season is this recipe best for?

Grilled Octopus Skewers are best enjoyed during the summer months when grilling is a favorite pastime.

However, this recipe can be enjoyed year-round if you have access to fresh or frozen octopus.

Where can I buy the ingredients for this recipe?

Finding the right ingredients is crucial for making a Grilled Octopus Skewers recipe.

Octopus: Fresh or frozen octopus can be found at seafood markets, specialty grocery stores, or well-stocked supermarkets. Look for an octopus that is clean, firm, and free from a strong fishy odor.

Bell Pepper and Onions: These are common vegetables available at any grocery store or farmers’ market.

Dried Oregano and Chili Flakes: These spices are available in the spice aisle of any grocery store. For the best flavor, choose organic spices if possible.

Can I substitute the ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute some of the ingredients to suit your taste and needs.

Seafood: If you can’t find octopus or prefer other seafood, shrimp, scallops, or firm white fish like halibut or cod can be excellent substitutes.
Bell Pepper: Feel free to use any color of bell pepper or substitute it with other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
Oil: Olive oil is recommended, but you can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Lemon Juice: If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is always best for flavor.

Can I make this recipe part of a menu?

These Mediterranean Grilled Octopus Skewers can be the star of a fantastic seafood-themed menu.

Serve Mediterranean Shrimp Croquettes as an appetizer alongside a refreshing Cucumber Radish Salad, Ahi Tuna Salad, or Mediterranean Tomato Salad.

For a main course, you can serve Mediterranean Baby Baked Potatoes with Grilled Octopus Skewers for a complete Mediterranean feast that will impress anyone.

For a dessert, go with my Kiwi Pavlova or Apple Cinnamon Cake.

Which drinks would you pair it with?

Pairing the right drink with Grilled Octopus Skewers enhances the dining experience. You can serve different drinks with this dish.

I recommend a crisp, dry white wine like Encruzado or Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio which pairs beautifully with grilled seafood.

A chilled glass of rosé complements the smoky flavors of the grilled octopus.

Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime, or a refreshing iced tea, can be great non-alcoholic options.

How long can I store this recipe leftovers?

Grilled Octopus Skewers are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored properly to retain their flavor and texture.

Store the leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or enjoy cold in a salad.

If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the grilled octopus. Place the skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe tips & tricks

Here are some of my tips and tricks to ensure your Mediterranean Grilled Octopus Skewers turn out perfectly every time:

Octopus can be tough if not prepared correctly. To tenderize, simmer the octopus in boiling water for 45-60 minutes before grilling.
For extra flavor, marinate the octopus and vegetables in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 15-20 minutes before grilling.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear on the octopus without overcooking it.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Baste the octopus with the marinade during grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
Let the grilled octopus rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy bites.

If you need detailed instructions on how to boil octopus, you can find it here – start with Step 3.

Enjoy the ultimate guide to Grilled Octopus Skewers, offering a delicious seafood option perfect for any party!

Steps

1 Done 45 min	Prepare the Octopus If using fresh octopus, clean and prepare it. If using frozen, thaw completely. Tenderize the octopus by simmering in boiling water for 45-60 minutes until tender. If you have a precooked (boiled) octopus already, you can start cooking. Cut octopus tentacles into pieces. Cut pepper into bite sizes pieces, onion into slices.
2 Done 5 min	Season Transfer everything into a big bowl. Add the octopus pieces, bell pepper, and onions.
3 Done 20 min	Marinate In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes.
4 Done 5 min	Thread and grill While preheating a pan/grill, thread skewers. Thread the marinated octopus, bell pepper, and onion chunks onto skewers, alternating between each item. Grill the skewers until the veggies become tender and the octopus is ready, with a bit of that delicious char. Squeeze the lemon over everything, and flip the skewers.
5 Done 1 min	Serve Once ready, transfer the skewers to a plate. Serve with lemon wedges. Your Grilled Octopus Skewers are ready! Enjoy!