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by The Team
While octopus might not be the most conventional choice for a seafood meal, the culinary journey it offers is truly remarkable. Baby octopus, in particular, presents a unique and delightful gastronomic experience that is well worth exploring. Trust us, trying baby octopus might just lead you to a new favourite in your seafood selection.
Octopus stew: Just one of the many dishes you can create with baby octopus.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook baby octopus to perfection, turning it into a mouthwatering delicacy that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
In the context of seafood, a baby octopus is more tender than an adult octopus, which makes it ideal for a wider range of culinary creations. A well-prepared baby octopus is a phenomenal base for an appetiser or main course your guests won’t soon forget.
Baby octopus has a delightful, mild flavour with a hint of ocean brininess. When cooked correctly, it becomes tender and succulent, making it a unique addition to your seafood repertoire. The tender meat has a slightly sweet and nutty taste that pairs beautifully with various seasonings and cooking methods.
The best octopus dish starts with choosing the perfect baby octopus. For this, you have two main options: fresh and frozen. Ideally, fresh octopus is the way to go, but frozen octopus is just as delicious and nutritious if handled correctly.
If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a local fishmonger or seafood market, inquire about fresh baby octopus. Look for an octopus that is firm, with smooth, unblemished skin. The colour should be vibrant and appealing, typically a shade of lavender or white.
If you don’t have a local fishmonger nearby, you can buy frozen baby octopus. We’re talking about octopuses that have been flash-frozen, which preserves their quality. Avoid anything with visible ice crystals, as they may have been defrosted and refrozen, potentially affecting their texture.
You can make this Spanish braised octopus from fresh or frozen products. Cooking time is only 90 minutes!
Once you’ve bought your baby octopus, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Follow these simple steps:
If you’ve chosen frozen octopus, ensure it’s fully thawed before proceeding. The best way to do this is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. Before cooking, pat dry the thawed octopus with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Enhance the flavour of your baby octopus by marinating it overnight. In a bowl, combine olive oil, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, black peppercorns, white wine, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Submerge the baby octopus in this marinade, cover it with cling wrap and refrigerate. The longer it marinates, the richer the flavour.
Now that your baby octopus is prepped and ready, it’s time to explore two popular cooking methods: grilling and boiling.
Want to grill octopus for that delightful smoky flavour? Here’s a simple grilled octopus recipe:
These Fremantle octopus tentacles are ready for the grill.
Boiling a baby octopus is a straightforward and tenderising method. Here’s a simple way to boil baby octopus:
Here’s something for dinner tonight. Crispy marinated baby octopus combines the tenderness of the octopus with a delightful crispy exterior—all infused with the flavours of olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a perfect dish to impress your dinner guests.
Start by cleaning whole baby octopuses. Rinse them under cold running water and remove any excess water by patting them dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the cleaned baby octopuses in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Toss the octopuses side to side to ensure they’re evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse.
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of cornstarch. This mixture will be used to coat the marinated baby octopuses, giving them a crispy texture.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 175°C (350°F). Cover the marinated baby octopuses thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even and light coating.
Carefully place the coated baby octopuses in the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be mindful not to overcook them, as baby octopuses can become tough if fried too long.
Remove the crispy marinated baby octopuses from the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired for an extra burst of flavour and a touch of freshness.
Serve your crispy marinated baby octopuses immediately while they are hot and crispy. Enjoy the tender meat wrapped in a crispy coating, which makes every bite a culinary delight.
Add depth to your baby octopus dish with the right accompaniments. Not only do these enhance the flavour, but they also provide a variety of textures and visually enrich the presentation of the dish. You can:
Cooking baby octopus is easier than you think. It’s a versatile ingredient that can turn any meal into a delightful seafood feast. Follow our guide to achieve tender and flavourful baby octopus, which can be enjoyed as an appetiser or a main course.
Love seafood? Order octopus and other oceanic delights from Manettas today!
