Pickled Octopus

March 14, 2017Ashley Korizis
Pickled Octopus

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Serves: 6 people

Pickled octopus is a true delicacy of Mediterranean cuisine. As exotic as this ingredient may seem, it is surprisingly easy to prepare. The greater challenge lies in finding an octopus of the proper size. Those sold in traditional grocery stores, if available at all, are often on the smaller side with tentacles that are too thin for this recipe. Larger octopi, weighing approximately 4 pounds, are most easily found in specialty seafood shops and international markets. Served cold, this dish is particularly popular as an evening appetizer in the summer. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even give the cooked tentacles a quick grill before pickling, which will add further depth of flavor to your pickled octopus.

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds octopus
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 2.5 cups wine vinegar
  • 2.5 cups water
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of dried oregano

Preparation

  • Using a sharp knife, breakdown the octopus by separating the tentacles from the head and body
  • Using a sharp knife or kitchen sheers, cut the head into smaller pieces
  • Place the octopus in a large pot and cover with water
  • Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce to medium heat and boil for 1-2 hours
  • The exact cooking time will vary. After an hour, taste the octopus. If it is chewy, cook for another 30 minutes and taste again until the desired tenderness is achieved
  • Once the cooking is complete, taste the octopus for saltiness. In most cases, the tentacles will release sea salt during the cooking process and additional salt won’t be necessary
  • Place the cooked octopus in a glass jar or bowl and submerge with equal parts of wine vinegar and water along with slivers of fresh garlic
  • ​Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours
Pickled Octopus
  • Once pickled, slice the tentacles, sprinkle with dried oregano, drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil and serve with a lemon wedge
Print Recipe
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Serves: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds octopus
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 2.5 cups wine vinegar
  • 2.5 cups water
  • Drizzle extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch dried oregano

Method

  • Using a sharp knife, breakdown the octopus by separating the tentacles from the head and body
    Using a sharp knife or kitchen sheers, cut the head into smaller pieces
    Place the octopus in a large pot and cover with water
    Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce to medium heat and boil for 1-2 hours
    The exact cooking time will vary. After an hour, taste the octopus. If it is chewy, cook for another 30 minutes and taste again until the desired tenderness is achieved
    Once the cooking is complete, taste the octopus for saltiness. In most cases, the tentacles will release sea salt during the cooking process and additional salt won’t be necessary
    Place the cooked octopus in a glass jar or bowl and submerge with equal parts of wine vinegar and water along with slivers of fresh garlic
    ​Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours
    Once pickled, slice the tentacles, sprinkle with dried oregano, drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil and serve with a lemon wedge

4 Comments

  • kris

    April 15, 2022 at 5:37 am

    Do you store this in the vinegar solution?

    1. Ashley Korizis

      April 19, 2022 at 6:41 pm

      Hi Kris – This recipe is for a “quick pickle” and meant to be eaten the day it’s prepared. If you’re looking to store the octopus, I would use an octopus “canning” recipe.

  • Sylvia

    September 11, 2023 at 3:10 pm

    Can the recipe made a day or two ahead?

    1. Ashley Korizis

      October 2, 2023 at 10:13 am

      Hi Sylvia – Yes, you can make the recipe a day or two ahead. Once you finish pickling the octopus, place it in a jar or bowl covered in extra virgin olive oil to prevent contact with air (the oil will thicken in the fridge but return to a liquid state at room temperature). Remove it at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the oil and octopus to return to room temperature.

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