How Long To Cook Octopus Pieces
Cook too long and it goes mushy too little and it is tough.
How long to cook octopus pieces. Add your whole tentacles to an oiled pan for about 8 minutes per side or pre slice your tentacles into thinner pieces and cook for 2 minutes per side for a perfect finish. It s important that the water is turned down to a gentle simmer once the octopus is in the pan. For 2 to 3 pounds of octopus 4 servings it will usually be between 1 to 2 hours but the true test for doneness is when a knife inserted where the head meets the legs slides in easily.
For the best result start with the boiling or poaching method above allowing the octopus to cook slowly and cool down before searing in a pan. Simmer very gently at 190 to 200 f. Submerge the octopus in the water bring to the boil and then simmer gently for 30 45 minutes with a lid on or until a fork can pierce the flesh with just a little resistance.
Char the octopus on the grill. Add octopus pieces and cook until well browned and crisp about 3 minutes. Place the octopus pieces on the grill and cook for roughly 4 to 5 minutes or until spotted with brown.
Step 3 marinate octopus to serve. Add the octopus reduce the heat immediately and simmer gently for 45 60 minutes. You should only turn the pieces once and do so during the middle of the cooking process.
Turn and brown on other side about 3 minutes longer. The octopus cooked at 140 and 160 f were still chewy even after 8 hours. After placing the pieces on your grill rack close the grill and cook the pieces covered.
The most basic way of cooking octopus is to simmer it in liquid. Fill a saucepan with salted water and bring to the boil. Heat a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering.