Octopus is a beloved seafood delicacy worldwide, and it’s no surprise why. With its tender and chewy texture, octopus makes the perfect ingredient in different dishes, from salads to stews and soups. Cooking octopus can be challenging, but that’s where pre-cooked octopus comes in handy.
In this article, we will master the art of cooking pre-cooked octopus by understanding what it is, how to prepare it, the advantages of using it, and different cooking techniques. We will also explore some mouth-watering recipes and serving suggestions.
## Understanding Pre-Cooked Octopus
Pre-cooked octopus refers to octopus that is already cooked and either frozen or vacuum-packed. It’s a convenient option for busy home cooks who want to save time on cooking without compromising on taste and texture.
Pre-cooked octopus can be prepared using various methods like boiling, grilling, or braising. The advantage of using pre-cooked octopus is that it shortens the cooking time while still retaining the same flavor and texture as freshly cooked ones.
## Preparing to Cook Pre-Cooked Octopus
Before cooking your pre-cooked octopus, there are a few essential steps you need to undertake to make sure your dish comes out perfect:
### Cleaning and Thawing the Octopus
If you’re using frozen pre-cooked octopus, you’ll need to thaw it thoroughly before starting the cooking process. The best way to thaw frozen pre-cooked octopus is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
Once thawed, rinse the octopus thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining slime or impurities.
### Cutting and Trimming the Tentacles
While some pre-cooked octopuses come already cut into small pieces, others may come in a whole form. In this case, trim off any unwanted parts like the head or eyes and then cut the tentacles into small, bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
### Choosing Seasoning and Complimentary Ingredients
Pre-cooked octopus is flavorful on its own but adding complementary ingredients, including seasoning and herbs, can enhance its taste further. For example, you can use garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, paprika, or any other spices of your choice.
## Cooking Techniques
Here are some cooking techniques to consider while cooking pre-cooked octopus:
### 1. Braising
Braising is a slow-cooking technique that usually involves cooking food with a liquid in a covered pot. Here are the steps for braising pre-cooked octopus:
– Heat up some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
– Add chopped garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for a minute.
– Add pre-cooked octopus to the pan and saute for 2-3 minutes until browned.
– Pour in chicken broth or wine (or combination of both) until it covers the octopus.
– Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
– Add chopped tomatoes and onions to the pan after 25 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
– Serve immediately with crusty bread or rice.
### 2. Grilling
Grilling brings out the natural smoky flavor of pre-cooked octopus. Here’s how to grill pre-cooked octopus:
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
– Brush the tentacles lightly with olive oil on both sides before grilling.
– Place the octopus on the grill grates, tentacle side down first.
– Grill for about 3 minutes on each side or until charred to your liking.
– Remove from heat and serve hot with chimichurri sauce or other dipping sauces of your choice.
### 3. Boiling
Boiling is another cooking technique that is suitable for pre-cooked octopus. Here’s how to boil pre-cooked octopus:
– Boil a large pot of salted water.
– Add the pre-cooked octopus to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
– Drain and let cool.
– Chop the octopus into smaller pieces and toss with chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
– Add a dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
– Mix well and serve your boiled pre-cooked octopus salad as a light dinner or as an appetizer.
## Recipes:
Here are some delicious pre-cooked octopus recipes to try out:
### 1. Braised Pre-Cooked Octopus with Lemon and Garlic
Ingredients:
– 1 kg pre-cooked octopus
– 4 cloves garlic, chopped
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 lemons (juiced)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat up some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan and saute for a minute.
3. Add pre-cooked octopus to the pan and saute for 2-3 minutes until browned.
4. Pour in chicken broth or wine (or combination of both) until it covers the octopus.
5. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
6. Uncover the pan; add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Pro tips: Serve this dish hot with crusty bread or rice.
### 2. Grilled Pre-Cooked Octopus with Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients:
– 1 kg pre-cooked octopus
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the pre-cooked octopus lightly with olive oil on both sides before grilling.
3. Grill the octopus for about 3 minutes on each side or until charred to your liking.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the parsley, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno pepper, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
5. Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the grilled octopus and serve immediately.
Pro tips: To make the dish more colorful and attractive, you can add some roasted cherry tomatoes on top of the octopus before adding the chimichurri sauce.
### 3. Boiled Pre-Cooked Octopus Salad with Tomato and Pepper
Ingredients:
– 1 kg pre-cooked octopus
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Juice of one lemon
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil a large pot of salted water.
2. Add the pre-cooked octopus to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
3. Drain and let cool.
4. Chop the octopus into smaller pieces and toss with chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Serve as a light dinner or as an appetizer.
Pro Tips: You can also add sliced red onion and fresh parsley to the salad.
## Serving Suggestions:
You can pair your pre-cooked octopus dishes with different wines, beers, and other beverages. For example, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais pairs well with grilled or boiled octopus. A chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc goes well with braised octopus.
When it comes to plating presentation, you can experiment with different shapes and forms for a visually appealing dish. Additionally, you can add some garnish on top of your cooked octopus dish to make it look more sophisticated and savory.
## Conclusion:
Cooking pre-cooked octopus should not be intimidating, under the right guidance, it’s relatively easy, convenient, and tasty. In this article, we have explored different cooking techniques for pre-cooked octopus like boiling, grilling, or braising. We have also provided some mouth-watering recipes that you can try at home today. Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to cooking so experiment and don’t be afraid to try new flavors and techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill pre-cooked octopus?
Yes, it is possible to grill pre-cooked octopus. Simply brush the octopus with olive oil and season with your preferred seasoning, then grill on high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s crispy.
How can I reheat pre-cooked octopus?
To reheat pre-cooked octopus, place it in a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 45 seconds. Be careful not to overheat the Octopus as it may dry out and become tough.
What ingredients go well with Pre cooked Octopus?
Many ingredients complement pre-cooked octopus very well, but a few that stand out include cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can also try adding chili flakes or smoked paprika to give it some extra flavour.
Can I use pre-cooked octopus for sushi?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked octopus for sushi. You can either slice the octopus thinly and place it on top of nigiri sushi rice or use it as an ingredient in a sushi roll with other fillings such as cucumber or avocado. Just make sure to get a good quality one that has been properly cooked and stored.
