Citrus-Spiced Baby Octopus Broccolini (Print Version)

Tangy citrus-marinated octopus served over crisp broccolini with zesty and nutty toppings.

# Ingredients:

→ Octopus

01 - 500 g baby octopus, cleaned
02 - Zest and juice of 1 orange
03 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - Pinch of chili flakes (optional, for heat)

→ Broccolini

10 - 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - Zest of ½ lemon (for garnish)
15 - Toasted sesame seeds or crushed almonds, for serving (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, ground coriander, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes.
02 - Add the cleaned baby octopus to the marinade and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Bring a pot of salted water to the boil. Blanch broccolini for 1–2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to preserve vibrant color and crisp texture.
04 - In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté sliced garlic until lightly golden. Add drained broccolini, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, allowing edges to crisp while maintaining color.
05 - Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat. Remove octopus from marinade and gently pat dry. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, until charred and just cooked through.
06 - Arrange broccolini onto serving plates. Top with grilled octopus. Finish with a drizzle of reserved citrus juice or olive oil, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed almonds if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Allow octopus to reach room temperature before grilling to promote even cooking and superior texture.
02 - Quick blanching and ice bathing preserve the broccolini’s colour and crunch.
03 - Octopus can become tough if overcooked; grill until just opaque and charred for best results.

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