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Cooking the octopus: step by step instructions
You can use any sized octopus but the cooking time varies depending on the size. The larger the animal, the longer it needs to cook.
Course
Main Course
Keyword
octopus
Prep Time
30
minutes
minutes
Cook Time
2
hours
hours
Author
Joost Nusselder
Cost
$60
Equipment
Large pot (big enough to fit the octopus)
Ingredients
2.5
lb
(or 1 kg) octopus
rinsed and cleaned
cold water
Instructions
If you're using a fresh uncleaned octopus, you have to wash it and remove the ink sac as well as the internal organs and head.
Grab a paring knife and cut around the beak following a circular pattern. Pull the beak and the organs that are stuck to it will come out too.
Then, you need a large pot that can fit the whole octopus.
Place the octopus in the pot and cover it completely with cold water.
Turn the heat on a high setting until the water comes to a simmer.
Turn the heat to medium-low (190 - 200 F) and let it simmer for at least 75 minutes.
Take a paring knife and pierce a tentacle to check if it's well done. If the knife pierces the flesh smoothly and easily, the meat is ready.
If not, keep simmering, up to 120 minutes total. Do not overcook it though.
Notes
Note: when boiling the octopus, you do not add any condiments like salt, pepper, etc.