Octopus with Smoky Lemon Marinade

Method

1. 01

   Marinate the Octopus: Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, smoked paprika, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Add the fresh octopus to the bowl, ensuring it's fully coated in the marinade. Let it sit for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.

2. 02

   Prepare the Barbecue: Set up your barbecue using Heat Beads Briquettes the Green bag, for indirect heat. Aim for a low temperature of about 120°C (250°F) to cook the octopus slowly and tenderize it while infusing it with smoky flavor.

3. 03

   Slow-Cook the Octopus: Once the BBQ is ready, place the marinated octopus on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 30 minutes, turning the octopus occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. 04

   Sear the Octopus: After 30 minutes, increase the BBQ temperature to high, around 250°C (482°F). Move the octopus to the hot side of the grill and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side until it develops a nice char.

5. 05

   Rest and Serve: Once the octopus is perfectly charred, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors to settle. Slice the octopus into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.