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–+ servings

Grilled Achiote Octopus Tentacles

Tender octopus is gently poached until buttery, then slapped onto blazing grates where fragrant achiote-chili oil paints it fiery red and caramelizes into charred tassels.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 310kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lb octopus tentacles pre-cleaned; sub: whole squid tubes or jumbo shrimp
  • 2 tbsp achiote (annatto) paste sub: 1 Tbsp smoked paprika + 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 3 tbsp olive oil sub: avocado oil or melted ghee
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice sub: lime juice + 1 tsp keto sweetener
  • 1 tbsp lime juice sub: lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced; sub: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried Mexican oregano sub: regular oregano
  • Sea salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped cilantro extra lime wedges

Instructions

  • Poach for tenderness: In a pot, combine octopus, 1 qt water, 1 Tbsp salt, and a bay leaf. Simmer gently 35 min. Cool in the liquid 10 min, drain, and pat dry.
  • Blend achiote oil: Whisk achiote paste, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth. Reserve 2 Tbsp for post-grill drizzle.
  • Marinate: Brush tentacles generously with the achiote oil. Rest 10 min while you preheat grill to medium-high.
  • Grill & baste: Lay tentacles on oiled grates; grill 2-3 min per side, basting with more oil, until edges char and turn brick-red.
  • Finish & serve: Slice into bite-size curls, drizzle the reserved achiote oil, shower with cilantro, and hand out lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 310kcal | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g
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