Smoky Spanish Pulpo a la Plancha with Garlic Aioli

Name: Smoky Spanish Pulpo a la Plancha with Garlic Aioli
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Whole octopus; Water; Onion; Bay leaves; Olive oil; Smoked paprika; Cayenne pepper; Lemon juice; Garlic cloves; Egg yolk; Lemon juice; Olive oil; Salt; Olive oil; Black pepper

Delightful grilled octopus with a creamy garlic dip

This traditional Spanish dish features tender grilled octopus, served with a silky garlic aioli that enhances its rich flavors.

2 h 30 min
4
Advanced

Ingredients

For the Octopus

Whole octopus

1.5 kg

Water

3 L

Onion

1 halved

Bay leaves

2 leaves

For the Marinade

Olive oil

1/4 cup

Smoked paprika

2 tsp

Cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp

Lemon juice

Juice of 1 lemon

For the Garlic Aioli

Garlic cloves

2 cloves, minced

Egg yolk

1 yolk

Lemon juice

1 tbsp

Olive oil

1/2 cup

Salt

To taste

For Grilling

Olive oil

1 tbsp

Black pepper

To taste

Preparation

Marinating the Octopus

Simmer the Octopus

In a large pot, bring the water, onion, and bay leaves to a boil. Add the octopus and simmer for about 1 hour or until tender.

Make sure the octopus is not overcooked in the boiling phase to prevent toughness.

Cool and Slice Octopus

Once cooked, remove the octopus and let it cool slightly before cutting it into tentacles.

Marinate Octopus

In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Marinate the octopus tentacles in this mixture for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Garlic Aioli

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, combine minced garlic and egg yolk.

Emulsify

Slowly whisk in the lemon juice and olive oil until emulsified.

Use a food processor to achieve a perfectly smooth aioli.

Season

Season with salt to taste.

Cooking Process

Preheat Grill Pan

Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.

Heat guide: Medium-high heat.

Grill Octopus Tentacles

Place the marinated octopus tentacles on the grill, brushing with olive oil. Grill each side for approximately 4 minutes until charred.

Rest Octopus

Allow the octopus to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Resting at room temperature for 5 minutes ensures juiciness.

Plating & Serving