How to boil frozen octopus

The octopus is a delicious and versatile mollusk that can be cooked in many different ways. However, boiling frozen octopus can be a bit tricky if you don't know the right steps to follow.

In this article, we will show you how to boil frozen octopus easily and quickly, getting a perfect result every time.

What you need

• 1 frozen octopus (about 1 kg)
• Water
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 lemon
• Bay leaves
• Black peppercorns
• Kosher salt

Remember that choosing quality ingredients greatly affects the final result of your dish.

Thawing the Octopus

Before boiling the frozen octopus, it is important to thaw it properly to ensure that it is safe to eat and has the right texture. Here's how:

Fridge Method

The safest method for thawing the octopus is to put it in the fridge for several hours or overnight. To do this, wrap the octopus in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it on a plate or shallow container to prevent any juices from contaminating other foods. Let the octopus thaw in the fridge for about 12-24 hours depending on its size.

Cold Water Method

If you need to thaw the octopus more quickly, you can do so by immersing it in cold water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and immerse the octopus, still sealed in an airtight bag. Change the water every 30 minutes until the octopus is completely thawed (this takes about 2-3 hours).

• Do not use warm or room temperature water, as this can cause bacterial growth.
• Make sure the sealed packaging is water-resistant.

Microwave Method

The fastest method for thawing the octopus is the microwave method. However, this method is not recommended as it can cause partial cooking of the octopus and increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

After thawing the octopus, rinse it under cold running water to remove any residue. Also, always check that it is completely thawed before boiling it.

Preparing the Octopus

Before boiling frozen octopus, it is important to prepare it properly to ensure that it is safe to eat and has a delicious flavor.

Thawing the Octopus

The first step in preparing octopus is thawing. It's important to safely thaw the octopus to avoid bacterial growth. The best way to thaw octopus is to put it in the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw the octopus more quickly, you can immerse it in cold water for a few hours.

Cleaning the Octopus

After thawing the octopus, it is necessary to clean it thoroughly. Remove any remaining salt or spines from the skin. Then, using a pair of kitchen scissors, cut off the eyes and beak of the octopus. Next, remove the viscera from the center of the octopus body and wash it well under running water.

Beating the Octopus

Beating the octopus helps make it more tender and flavorful. To do this, you can beat the octopus against a hard surface like a table or rock for a few minutes. This will break down the muscle fibers and make the octopus softer when cooked.

• Place the octopus on a hard surface.
• Beat it against the surface for a few minutes.
• Repeat this process on both sides of the octopus.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to safely and deliciously prepare your frozen octopus. Now that you've prepared your octopus, it's ready to be boiled!

Boiling the Octopus

To boil frozen octopus, it's important to follow some fundamental steps to ensure perfect cooking. Here's how:

Step 1: Thawing the Octopus

Before starting to boil, you need to completely thaw the octopus. You can do this in the refrigerator by letting it thaw slowly for about 24 hours or by placing it under cold running water for a few hours.

Step 2: Cleaning the Octopus

After thawing the octopus, it's important to clean it thoroughly to remove any sand or algae residues. To do this, you can gently rub it with a damp cloth or soft brush.

Step 3: Boiling the Octopus

Put the octopus in a pot of cold water and bring it to a boil. Add coarse salt and a lemon cut into pieces to flavor the octopus during cooking. Let it cook for about 40-50 minutes over medium-low heat.

Step 4: Checking for Doneness

To check if the octopus is cooked, you can use a fork or toothpick to test the texture of the meat. If it easily enters the flesh without resistance, then the octopus is ready.

Step 5: Draining and Serving

Drain the octopus and let it cool for a few minutes. You can then cut it into pieces and serve it as desired, such as with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and fresh parsley.

• Remember not to add too much water to the pot during boiling, otherwise the octopus may become too soft.
• Alternatively, you can also steam or grill the octopus for a lighter and more flavorful cooking method.

Tips for Serving Boiled Octopus

After boiling the frozen octopus, it's important to know how to serve it best. Here are some tips:

• Cut the octopus into pieces: before serving the octopus, it's necessary to cut it into pieces. This way it will be easier to eat and you'll be able to better appreciate its texture.

Note that these tips are useful both for those who already have experience in preparing boiled octopus and for beginners who want to try this recipe for the first time.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to prepare a delicious and perfectly served boiled octopus dish!

Conclusion

Boiling frozen octopus may seem like a complex procedure, but by following our tips you can achieve excellent results. Always remember to thaw the octopus in the refrigerator, cook it in salted water for no more than 30-40 minutes, and serve it cold dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. If you want to further enrich the dish, you can add previously boiled potatoes and pitted black olives. With these simple tricks, your boiled octopus will be irresistible!