posted by Maree 04-05-99 1:23 AM
Char-Grilled Chilli Octopus
Adapted from "Fast Bistro Food: Favourite Café Food at Home," Victoria Lewis (1994) Simon & Schuster Australia. ISBN : 0 7318 0421 X.
1 kg. (2 lb.) baby octopus (the smaller the better- ideally not more than 4" long)
1/2 cup (4 fl. oz.) olive oil
2 tbls. sweet chilli sauce (the Thai type)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (8 fl. oz.) bbq sauce
1 bunch coriander (cilantro)
a squeeze of lemon juice, optional
Clean the octopus if not already done. Ask fishmonger for advice if necessary.
Combine oil, garlic and sauces in a large bowl (orone of those large zip lock bags that 'stand up' by themselves).
Chop all coriander but leave a small amount for garnishing. Add chopped coriander to marinade. Add octopus.
Cover/ zip up and refrigerate minimum of three hours- overnight if possible. The longer the better (more tender octopus).
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Remove octopus from marinade and place on grill. Cook for approx'. 8 minutes.
Turn a couple of times during the process. If you notice the octopus drying out, baste with left over marinade and turn the heat down a little.