Grilled Octopus with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables 🐙🍅🥒

Ingredients

For the Octopus

• 2 lbs (900g) cooked octopus tentacles

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 8 pearl onions, peeled

• 1 cup green beans

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Red Pepper Sauce

• 2 roasted red bell peppers

• 1 garlic clove

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley

• Fresh dill

• Toasted pine nuts

• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet.

4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Step 2: Make the Red Pepper Sauce

1. Blend roasted peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, and salt.

2. Process until completely smooth.

3. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Octopus

1. Pat octopus dry with paper towels.

2. Rub with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Grill the Octopus

1. Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat.

2. Grill octopus for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly charred.

3. Remove and let rest for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Plate the Dish

1. Spread a spoonful of red pepper sauce on the plate.

2. Arrange roasted vegetables in the center.

3. Place grilled octopus on top.

4. Garnish with parsley, dill, and toasted pine nuts.

Yield

• 4 servings

Prep Time

• 20 minutes

Cook Time

• 30 minutes

Total Time

• 50 minutes

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 340

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 4g

Chef's Tips

✅ For ultra-tender octopus, simmer it gently for 45–60 minutes before grilling if using raw octopus.

✅ Dry the tentacles thoroughly before grilling to achieve beautiful char marks.

✅ The red pepper sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

✅ Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño.

This Grilled Octopus with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables combines smoky charred octopus, sweet roasted vegetables, and a silky red pepper sauce for an elegant restaurant-style seafood dish packed with Mediterranean flavor. 🐙✨🍋🍷