Ingredients
Octopus:
- 16 ounces cleaned octopus with heads removed (about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds uncleaned)
- 2 cups full-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cloves unpeeled garlic, crushed
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
Salad:
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 bunch mint, stems removed, leaves torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped green olives, preferably Cerignola (available at specialty olive bars)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 endives with core removed, julienned
- 3 cups julienned radicchio leaves
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas or gigante beans
Directions
Put the octopus in a pot with the wine and enough cold water to cover. Add the onions, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook until opaque, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the octopus with a slotted spoon and cool. (This may be done a day ahead and refrigerated in a covered bowl.)
Transfer the octopus to a resealable plastic bag and add the garlic, olive oil, and lime juice; seal and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Remove the octopus from the marinade and set aside.
Preheat a charcoal or gas grill until hot. Position the rack about 5 to 6 inches from the heat.
Combine the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, mint leaves, and green olives in the jar of a blender and puree into a smooth emulsion. Alternatively, whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl for a chunkier texture. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper and set aside. Toss the endive, radicchio, and chickpeas together in a salad bowl and set aside.
Grill the octopus for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once after 2 to 3 minutes, until it is browned in spots and nicely caramelized but not burned. Remove and cut into bite-size pieces. 0054oss with the greens and vinaigrette, divide among 4 plates, and serve.
* Restaurant Recipe
This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. Food Network Kitchens have not tested this recipe in the proportions indicated and therefore cannot make representation as to the results.


















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By TonyKitchen
on July 30, 2011
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This is a two-part review. The octopus was excellent. It was tender, yet firm. I was initially worried that the sauce used to cook it might over season it, but it turned out very mildly seasoned...almost like scallops.
The salad was way too bitter. I think that the combination of the radicchio and the lime juice made it too bitter. Having said that, that type of salad is a great accompaniment to the octopus.
5 stars for the octopus and 2+ stars for the salad.
By barbara76137
Fort Worth, TX
on October 10, 2010
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I kinda cheated : since earlier today I was at a wonderful Greek Festival and had grilled octopus that I couldn't finish. I typed in "Grilled Octopus Salad" here and found this recipe. So I used the leftover octopus and had all of the other ingredients on hand so this worked out great. Next time I'll attempt to cook the octopus myself, since I'll definitely be making this again.
By wc2rescue24_100...
Reno, NV
on March 22, 2008
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This recipe is easy and the results are fantastic. The octopus is tender and very flavorful. The contrast between the sweet octopus and the bitter greens works well.
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