Description
A vibrant and flavorful recipe featuring tender baby octopus marinated in a zesty citrus-spiced blend, paired with crunchy, bright green broccolini toasted with sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick, impressive seafood dish bursting with smoky, spicy, and fresh citrus notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Baby Octopus and Marinade
- 1 pound baby octopus, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice tolerance)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Broccolini and Garnish
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Octopus: Rinse the baby octopus under cool water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for optimal marinating.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, lemon juice and zest, orange juice and zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the baby octopus and toss well to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Blanch Broccolini: While the octopus marinates, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed broccolini and blanch for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Octopus: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated baby octopus and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and tender. Remove the octopus from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Broccolini: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add the blanched broccolini and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked baby octopus to the pan with the broccolini. Toss gently to combine and warm the dish through, blending the flavors perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the citrus-spiced baby octopus and crunchy broccolini to a serving plate. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or parsley on top if desired. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to pat the octopus dry before marinating to help the marinade adhere better.
- Blanching the broccolini helps maintain its bright color and crisp texture.
- To toast sesame seeds, dry roast them in a pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a fresh, aromatic finish but are optional.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be gently reheated.
