Octopus on the Menu: Cooking Methods to Transform Fresh Octopus into Delicious Dishes

Fresh octopus is a popular ingredient in Australian cuisine, loved for its tender, flavorful meat and versatility in the kitchen. While many people are intimidated by cooking octopus, preparing it with the proper techniques is easy. Here are some cooking methods to transform fresh octopus into delicious dishes that you will find yourself calling that store to get fresh octopus delivered to your doorstep.

Poached Octopus

Poaching is a gentle cooking method that results in tender and succulent octopus. To poach a fresh octopus:

1. Clean it thoroughly and remove the head and beak.
2. Place it in a pot of simmering water with bay leaves, garlic, and lemon for about an hour or until tender.
3. Once cooked, slice it into bite-sized pieces and serve it with olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt.

Fried Octopus

Fried octopus is a popular snack in Australia and can be enjoyed alone or as a topping for salads and rice dishes. To fry fresh octopus:

1. Coat flour, dip it in egg, and then coat it in panko breadcrumbs.
2. Fry it in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Stewed Octopus

Stewing is a slow-cooking method that results in a rich and flavorful octopus dish. To stew fresh octopus:

1. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil.
2. Add diced tomatoes, white wine, and chicken stock to the pot, and bring it to a boil.
3. Add the octopus and let it simmer for 2-3 hours until tender.
4. Serve with crusty bread or over pasta.

Octopus Salad

Octopus salad is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for warmer weather. To make octopus salad:

1. Start by poaching the octopus, as mentioned earlier.
2. Once it’s cooked, slice it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and a vinaigrette dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.

Octopus Skewers

Grilled octopus skewers are a fun and tasty way to enjoy fresh octopus. To make octopus skewers:

1. Marinate the octopus in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
2. Thread the octopus onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers.
3. Grill over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side until lightly charred.
4. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.

Find a Supplier with the Best Quality

If you’re looking to cook with fresh octopus, starting with high-quality ingredients is essential. You can get fresh octopus delivered to your door from reputable seafood suppliers. When selecting fresh octopus, look for firm, shiny skin and no strong fishy odour.

Taste that Exciting Octopus Dish

Fresh octopus is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be transformed into various dishes using different cooking methods. From poaching and frying to stewing and grilling, there are many ways to savour fresh octopus’s unique flavour and texture. Try these cooking methods and experiment with your flavours to create new and exciting dishes.