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How To Cook Octopus For Ceviche

How To Cook Octopus For Ceviche

Just Mexican Food
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican

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.
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