Grilled Octopus with Spicy Garlic Marinade 🐙🌶🧄🍋

🔪 Preparation Steps

1️⃣ Tenderize the Octopus 🐙

1. In a large pot, bring water to a gentle simmer. Add crushed garlic, bay leaves, lemon halves, and salt.
2. Submerge the octopus and simmer uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until tender. Test with a fork in the thickest part of the tentacle—it should pierce easily.
3. Remove the octopus and let cool slightly. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure good caramelization when grilling.

2️⃣ Make the Spicy Garlic Marinade 🌶🧄

1. In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, chopped chili (or chili flakes), olive oil, lemon juice, zest, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the marinade for brushing during grilling.

3️⃣ Marinate the Octopus 🥣

1. Cut the cooled octopus into large tentacle sections or manageable pieces.
2. Toss with the marinade and let rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
   

   4️⃣ Grill the Octopus 🔥