Main Course · Dinner · African · Caribbean ·

Mauritian Octopus Curry with Turmeric and Coconut

Name: Mauritian Octopus Curry with Turmeric and Coconut
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 large octopus, cleaned and cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons vinegar; 1 lemon, halved; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 2 teaspoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 2 large tomatoes, diced; 1 cup coconut milk; 1/2 cup water; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges; Fresh cilantro leaves

Dive into a burst of tropical flavors with this savory Mauritian octopus curry infused with turmeric and the creamy touch of coconut milk.

4.9(646 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 24, 2025

Mauritian Octopus Curry with Turmeric and Coconut — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Octopus

For the Curry Base

For Seasoning

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 294 kcal
Protein: 17.25 g
Carbs: 12.75 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 2.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1175 kcal
Protein: 69 g
Carbs: 51 g
Fat: 80 g
Fiber: 10 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 large octopus cleaned and cut into 2-inch pieces	300	60	0	4	0
2 tablespoons vinegar	0	0	0	0	0
1 lemon halved	12	0	4	0	1
2 tablespoons vegetable oil	240	0	0	28	0
1 large onion finely chopped	60	1	14	0	3
4 cloves garlic minced	18	1	4	0	0
1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated	5	0	1	0	0
1 teaspoon turmeric powder	8	0	1	0	1
2 teaspoons curry powder	14	0	3	0	1
1 teaspoon cumin seeds	8	0	1	0	0
2 large tomatoes diced	44	2	10	0	2
1 cup coconut milk	445	5	6	48	0
1/2 cup water	0	0	0	0	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Freshly ground black pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 teaspoons fresh cilantro chopped	1	0	0	0	0
1 lime cut into wedges	20	0	7	0	2
Fresh cilantro leaves	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Octopus

1
Clean and Cut Octopus
Clean the octopus thoroughly and cut into desired pieces.
2
Marinate Octopus
Marinate the octopus pieces with vinegar and lemon juice for 30 minutes.
Tip: Tenderize the octopus by boiling with vinegar or freezing and defrosting before cooking.
3
Rinse and Dry
Rinse and pat dry before cooking.

Preparing the Curry Base

1
Heat Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2
Sauté Aromatics
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden.
3
Add Spices
Add turmeric, curry powder, and cumin seeds; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Tip: Ensure spices do not burn during cooking. Pro Tip: Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.

How to Make Mauritian Octopus Curry with Turmeric and Coconut

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmer Octopus
Add marinated octopus to the pan, cooking until slightly tender, about 15 minutes.
2
Create Curry
Mix in tomatoes, coconut milk, and water; bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3
Finish and Season
Season with salt and pepper, cooking until octopus is tender and sauce thickens, approximately 30 minutes.