Appetizer · Dinner · Spanish ·

Galician Pulpo a Feira with Sea Salt and Paprika

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.

4.3(616 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Galician Pulpo a Feira with Sea Salt and Paprika — Appetizer served and photographed from above
Prep
27 min
Cook
1 h 20 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Octopus

  1. 1

    Rinse Octopus

    Rinse the octopus under cold running water.

  2. 2

    Boil Water

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

  3. 3

    Add Octopus

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

Beginning the Cooking Process

  1. 1

    Cook Octopus

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

    Tip: 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.

  2. 2

    Cool Slightly

    Remove the octopus and allow it to cool slightly.

  3. 3

    Slice Octopus

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

How to Make Galician Pulpo a Feira with Sea Salt and Paprika

Total time: 1 h 47 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Boil

    Ensure the octopus is submerged and cook until tender.

  2. 2

    Dress

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

  3. 3

    Serve

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

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    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.

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