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.
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.
