How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover octopus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can cook the octopus a day ahead and store it in the cooking liquid. Dress it just before serving.

What can I use instead of fresh octopus?

You can use frozen octopus; make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.

What kind of paprika is best for this dish?

Use sweet or smoked Spanish paprika (pimentón) for an authentic flavor.

Can I grill the octopus instead?

Yes, you can lightly grill boiled octopus for added flavor and texture before dressing it.

Galician Pulpo a Feira with Sea Salt and Paprika

Name: Galician Pulpo a Feira with Sea Salt and Paprika
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Large octopus (2-3 lbs), cleaned; Bay leaf; Small onion, peeled; Olive oil; Coarse sea salt; Sweet paprika (pimentón dulce); Smoked paprika (optional); Extra virgin olive oil; Chopped fresh parsley (optional); Lemon wedges (optional); Crusty bread, for serving

Traditional Spanish-Style Octopus

Delight in the rich flavors of Galicia, Spain with this classic dish where tender octopus is simply dressed with a sprinkle of sea salt, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil.

1 h 20 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Octopus

Large octopus (2-3 lbs), cleaned

Bay leaf

Small onion, peeled

Olive oil

2 tbsp

For the Dressing

Coarse sea salt

2 tsp

Sweet paprika (pimentón dulce)

1 tsp

Smoked paprika (optional)

1/2 tsp

Extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp

For Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1 tbsp

Lemon wedges (optional)

For the Eating Experience

Crusty bread, for serving

Preparation

Preparing the Octopus

Rinse Octopus

Rinse the octopus under cold running water.

Boil Water

Bring a large pot of water to a boil with the bay leaf and onion.

Add Octopus

Once boiling, add the octopus, ensuring it is fully submerged.

Beginning the Cooking Process

Cook Octopus

Cook the octopus until tender, about 40-50 minutes.

Do not overcook the octopus, or it will become tough. Pro Tip: To enhance tenderness, dip the octopus in boiling water three times before the full submersion.

Cool Slightly

Remove the octopus and allow it to cool slightly.

Slice Octopus

Slice into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2 inch thick.

Cooking Process

Boil

Ensure the octopus is submerged and cook until tender.

Dress

Combine with sea salt, paprika, and a splash of olive oil.

Serve

Carefully arrange the octopus on a serving dish and drizzle with the dressing.

Plating & Serving