Ceviche is a delicious dish and octopus is a number one ingredient, so it is natural to wonder how to cook octopus for ceviche. You would be surprised at how easy and quick it is! Ceviche is usually an acquired taste as not everyone likes the texture.
Thankfully, there are many ways to eat, enjoy, and serve ceviche that is safe as well as delicious. This recipe, for example, only takes about 5 steps and is easy to do. You can make changes by adding in seasoning and extra flavors if the acidic lime/lemon is not enough!
What Is Ceviche?
So, first we should have an understanding of what is ceviche. From what we know, how to cook octopus for ceviche comes with its risk. It is never recommended to eat raw foods, especially if you did not grow up this way. However, ceviche is a different case.
Although it was originally consumed and created by the Incas in Peru, now you can see different variations of this dish everywhere and all throughout Latin America, including Mexico. The dish contains different types of raw seafood, although usually at least the octopus is lightly cooked.
While the acidic lemon/lime juice does help kill bacteria and sterilize fresh meat and fish, octopus is different. You can technically eat it using this method, however, it is tough to eat. Usually, chefs and cooks will boil the octopus so that it is tender enough to eat.
The History Of Ceviche
Possibly the best part about how to cook octopus for ceviche is its long history. For example, the first mention of ceviche is thought to be about 2000 years ago in Peru. This coastal town bordering both Peru and Ecuador are known for their fishing skills and culinary expertise.
However, the dish has changed significantly over the last few decades. Now, limes and lemons from Asia are used and onions from European countries. These are staple ingredients in modern day ceviche. For the most part though, this delicious dish has not changed.
How To Cook Octopus For Ceviche
Ingredients
- 1lb of Octopus
- 1 White Onion
You can use a red onion if you prefer though as it does add color. I like to taste the acidic hints in the dish though and use white onions.
- 2 Garlic Cloves Minced
- Boiling Water
- 2 Limes
- 1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice
I have also seen some people use orange juice instead of lemon juice for a different style of flavor. It is up to preference though!
- 2 tsp of olive oil
- 1 tsp of Sea salt
- 2 Hot Chili Peppers Minced
Equipment
- Pot of Boiling Water
- Cutting Board
- Cutting Knife
- Clean Work Space
- Stirring Spoon
- Large Bowl
- Measuring Cups
Step by Step Instructions On How To Cook Octopus For Ceviche
Step 1: Prepare the Octopus
The first step in how to cook octopus for ceviche is the most important. You will need to prepare the octopus. While some people prefer to cut the octopus after it has been cooked because it is more tender, I prefer to cut it when it is raw. This way, the step is complete and out of the way.
Make sure to cut into small sections that you are comfortable eating! These can be large chunks or smaller chunks.
Step 2: Season the Octopus
With your preferred powder seasonings, make sure the coat the octopus. Although you will still need to cook/boil the octopus later, the seasoning is still important. Massage the powders into the octopus with your hands. If you don’t like the texture, feel free to use gloves!
Step 3: Cook the Octopus
Boil the cut up onions, garlic, salt, and water. Let it simmer and boil. Don’t add the octopus to the pot of boiling water until the water has slightly changed color due to the vegetables. Afterwards, add the octopus chunks and boil covered for about 20 minutes.
If you are not sure if the octopus will cook right, you can also use the ‘scaring the octopus’ technique. Place the tentacles in the water and watch the octopus tense up and curl. This is a reaction to the hot temperature.
Step 4: Add the Ingredients to the Bowl
Once the octopus is cooked, you can then add the chunks into the large bowl. In this bowl, also add the rest of the ingredients and stir. It is important to not forget the limes as well as any garnishes you would like to add.
Step 5: Mix, Prep, Decorate, and Serve
In small bowls or glasses, start preparing the octopus ceviche. Add an equal amount into each container and garnish with lime juice as well as seasonings like salt. Don’t forget to add small touched like chopped cilantro or parsley! I also like to add small slices of lemon or limes for a pop of color!
Tips and Tricks on How to Cook Octopus for Ceviche
Truthfully, it is so simple to learn how to cook octopus for ceviche, that you should only worry about the quality of the octopus you are buying. I don’t recommend getting octopus just anywhere. While some grocery stores do sell this delicious seafood, it does not often come fresh.
Instead, experts recommend buying the octopus as fresh as possible! This not only enhances the flavor but also decreases the change of bacteria and illnesses. You should look for an octopus that has a vivid color and yet is also soft and still.
Conclusion
All in all, it is easy to be wary of this delicious dish because of how dangerous it can be to eat raw meat and fish. Although it is true that there are risks, when you learn how to cook octopus for ceviche properly, the risks decrease by a lot!
This recipe goes step by step and is perfect for beginners that love eating seafood and prefer more acidic and lemon-inspired flavors. Did you learn anything new about how to cook octopus for ceviche? If yes, let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to like and share with friends and family!
FAQs
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How To Cook Octopus For Ceviche
Equipment
- Pot of Boiling Water
- Cutting board
- Cutting knife
- Clean work space
- Stirring Spoon
- Large bowl
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb of Octopus
- 1 White Onion You can use a red onion if you prefer though as it does add color. I like to taste the acidic hints in the dish though and use white onions.
- 2 Garlic Cloves Minced
- Boiling Water
- 2 Limes
- 1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice I have also seen some people use orange juice instead of lemon juice for a different style of flavor. It is up to preference though!
- 2 tsp of olive oil
- 1 tsp of Sea salt
- 2 Hot Chili Peppers Minced
Instructions
- The first step in how to cook octopus for ceviche is the most important. You will need to prepare the octopus. While some people prefer to cut the octopus after it has been cooked because it is more tender, I prefer to cut it when it is raw. This way, the step is complete and out of the way.
- Make sure to cut into small sections that you are comfortable eating! These can be large chunks or smaller chunks.
- With your preferred powder seasonings, make sure the coat the octopus. Although you will still need to cook/boil the octopus later, the seasoning is still important. Massage the powders into the octopus with your hands. If you don't like the texture, feel free to use gloves!
- Boil the cut up onions, garlic, salt, and water. Let it simmer and boil. Don't add the octopus to the pot of boiling water until the water has slightly changed color due to the vegetables. Afterwards, add the octopus chunks and boil covered for about 20 minutes.
- If you are not sure if the octopus will cook right, you can also use the 'scaring the octopus' technique. Place the tentacles in the water and watch the octopus tense up and curl. This is a reaction to the hot temperature.
- Once the octopus is cooked, you can then add the chunks into the large bowl. In this bowl, also add the rest of the ingredients and stir. It is important to not forget the limes as well as any garnishes you would like to add.
- In small bowls or glasses, start preparing the octopus ceviche. Add an equal amount into each container and garnish with lime juice as well as seasonings like salt. Don't forget to add small touched like chopped cilantro or parsley! I also like to add small slices of lemon or limes for a pop of color!
Notes
- Truthfully, it is so simple to learn how to cook octopus for ceviche, that you should only worry about the quality of the octopus you are buying. I don't recommend getting octopus just anywhere. While some grocery stores do sell this delicious seafood, it does not often come fresh.
- Instead, experts recommend buying the octopus as fresh as possible! This not only enhances the flavor but also decreases the change of bacteria and illnesses. You should look for an octopus that has a vivid color and yet is also soft and still.
