If you’re looking for an outdoor dish to explore your culinary talents, look no further than this recipe for Easy Grilled Octopus and Carrot Soubise. This dish provides the perfect balance of textures, flavors, and colors for any outdoor foodie looking for something special. The combination of smoky char from grilling the octopus over hot coals with the sweetness from fresh carrots gives this entrée a wonderfully complex flavor profile that will leave you wanting more! So, let’s get started on whipping up this wonderful delight!

I’d love to claim that the idea for this recipe just popped into my head one day, but alas, it did not. I have been traveling a lot over the past few months, and on those travels, I have been fortunate to eat at some amazing restaurants. The inspiration for this dish came from Uchi in Dallas, Texas. I absolutely ADORE this restaurant, and if you ever find yourself in the uptown neighborhood of Dallas, I highly recommend you check it out.

This octopus was my favorite bite from a fantastic dinner, and I was so motivated to see if I could make this work in my outdoor kitchen.

uchi dallas — **Octopus at Uchi Dallas**

**Be Wild Eats Grilled Octopus Appetizer**

Octopus is not only a great Pacific Northwest seafood but also a common ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Portuguese, Spanish, Peruvian, and Japanese. (The last two are my ABSOLUTE favorite!)

Don’t be scared! This dish may seem intimidating, but it’s actually super easy to make. All you need is time to gather the ingredients and do some prep work. Sure, there are a few steps involved, but once you’ve got everything ready, it’s just a matter of putting it together, chowing down, and wowing your guests!

easy grilled octopus carrot soubise on grill

easy grilled octopus carrot soubise on grill2

Note: If you find raw octopus, you will want to steam or braise it beforehand (see FAQ below!), and of course, try to use fresh carrots from your local farmer’s market.

Ingredients

Octopus, pre-steamed or braised (see FAQ)
Carrots
Onion
Garlic
Chicken Broth
Heavy Cream
Butter
Sugar
Vinegar
Shallot
Trout Roe
Micro Greens
Salt and Pepper

Now on to the carrot soubise. So what is soubise anyway?

Soubise is a classic French sauce that is made primarily from onions, butter, and heavy cream. Its mild onion flavor and creamy texture make it a versatile addition to various culinary creations. Here, we are giving the traditional soubise with the fresh, sweet flavor of spring carrots.

Easy Grilled Octopus with Carrot Soubise

FAQ for Easy Grilled Octopus and Carrot Soubise

Can I put raw octopus directly on the grill?
NO! You should braise or steam your octopus before grilling it. Directly grilling octopus will result in a rubbery texture that is hard to eat. To braise, simmer the octopus in water with aromatics like bay leaves, garlic, and wine for about 30-45 minutes until it’s slightly tender. You can also add a wine cork to the cooking liquid, as it’s believed to help tenderize the meat.
How long should you grill octopus?
Octopus tentacles should be grilled over medium-hot coals for 3-4 minutes per side. You want a light char and do not want to overcook.
Where do you purchase octopus?
I’ve found octopus at my local market, but I understand that not everyone can be so lucky! In larger cities, try your local Asian market. Online, you can purchase octopus through D’Artagnan or All Fresh Seafood.

easy grilled octopus carrot soubise tablejpg

easy grilled octopus carrot soubise table2

From the fresh carrot flavor of the soubise to the smokey hit of flavor that comes from the octopus, this dish is sure to add a special touch to any outdoor dinner or celebration. So why wait? Make some Grilled Octopus and Carrot Soubise for your next gathering and show off what you can do! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and followers on Instagram, and be sure to stag #bewildeats.

5 from 1 vote