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Baby Octopus with Crunchy Broccolini

Baby Octopus with Crunchy Broccolini: A Zesty Seafood Delight

Experience the vibrant flavors of Citrus-Spiced Baby Octopus with Crunchy Broccolini—a quick, healthy seafood delight.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Octopus
  • 1.5 lbs Baby Octopus Fresh or thawed, cleaned
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For searing
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Can substitute with regular paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin Can swap with ground coriander
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Coriander Enhances citrus notes
  • 0.5 teaspoon Chili Flakes Optional, adjust to spice preference
  • 1 fruit Orange Zest and juice
  • 1 fruit Lemon Zest and juice
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • Salt & Black Pepper To taste
For the Broccolini
  • 1 lb Broccolini Trimmed and washed
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing
  • 1 clove Garlic Thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Adds umami depth
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Increases acidity
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Optional, for nuttiness
  • Red Pepper Flakes Pinch, optional
Optional Garnishes
  • Fresh Cilantro or Parsley For garnishing
  • Lemon Wedges For serving
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds Adds crunch
  • Crushed Peanuts or Almonds For texture

Equipment

  • grill or skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • large skillet
  • Pot
  • ice water bath

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by cleaning the baby octopus if necessary, removing any innards and rinsing thoroughly. In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili flakes, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well-blended.
  2. Once the marinade is ready, coat the cleaned baby octopus thoroughly. Place it in a resealable bag or a covered dish and let it sit in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the octopus for about 3-4 minutes on each side until you achieve a nice char.
  4. While the octopus is grilling, blanch the trimmed broccolini in a pot of salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to an ice water bath.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sliced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Drain the blanched broccolini and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes, cooking until tender.
  6. On a serving platter, arrange the sautéed broccolini as a base. Lay the grilled octopus on top, garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For the best flavor, allow the octopus to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes. Serve with extra lemon wedges to enhance the citrus profile.

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