Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMeritageGrilled Mediterranean Octopus Recipe

Grilled Mediterranean Octopus Recipe

Inspired by Meritage
Time2h
Serves4

Leeks, potato, pancetta crisp, purple clams, chowder sauce

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Ingredients

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Octopus Marinade

Pancetta Crisp

Clams

Method

Marinating the Octopus

  1. 1

    Prepare the Marinade

    In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Marinate the Octopus

    Add the octopus to the marinade, ensuring it's well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Making the Chowder Sauce

  1. 3

    Sauté the Leeks

    In a pot over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the sliced leeks until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 4

    Add Potatoes and Broth

    Add the diced potato and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

  3. 5

    Blend the Sauce

    Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm.

Cooking the Pancetta

  1. 6

    Crisp the Pancetta

    In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Grilling the Octopus and Clams

  1. 7

    Preheat the Grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  2. 8

    Grill the Octopus

    Remove the octopus from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until charred and cooked through.

  3. 9

    Cook the Clams

    While the octopus is grilling, place the purple clams on the grill. Cook until they open up, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Plating

  1. 10

    Serve

    On a plate, spoon a generous amount of chowder sauce, place the grilled octopus on top, and scatter the crispy pancetta and grilled clams around. Enjoy!

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