Best Easy Carpaccio di Polpo Recipe

Thinly sliced octopus carpaccio dressed with olive oil and citrus. This high protein mediterranean dish is a fresh, elegant family starter perfect for a keto or calorie deficit approach.

Cook 65 min Difficulty NORMAL 95 kcal
#keto #high protein #mediterranean #low carb
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • octopus (cleaned) 1.25 lbs
  • lemon (for zesting and garnish) 1 pieces
  • fresh parsley 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • sea salt 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 1 g 4%
Protein 18 g 76%
Fat 2 g 20%
Serving size 80g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Dip octopus in and out 2–3 times to curl tentacles, then fully submerge. Lower to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes until tender but not mushy.

  2. 2

    Remove octopus, cool slightly, then peel off any excess skin. Pat dry completely with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.

  3. 3

    Transfer the octopus to a plastic wrap or parchment-lined surface. Roll tightly into a log, compressing to expel air for even slicing. Secure ends, wrap again in foil, and chill under weight in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

  4. 4

    Once firm, unwrap and thinly slice the octopus with a very sharp knife. Arrange slices in overlapping circles on a chilled platter for best texture.

  5. 5

    Finish with drizzled extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper, fresh lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, chilled, for optimal flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The heart of Carpaccio di Polpo is the fresh octopus. Its ocean-sweet flavor and meaty texture define both the taste and visual elegance of the dish. Properly cooked octopus gives the carpaccio its signature tender bite and delicate flavor.
Q. What cooking technique ensures the octopus is tender but not overcooked?
Slowly simmering the octopus after dipping it in hot water for tentacle curl is crucial. Maintaining a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) for about 45 minutes achieves a perfectly tender, not rubbery, result.
Q. How do I avoid watery or uneven slices in my carpaccio?
It’s essential to pat the octopus dry after cooking and compress it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before chilling. This step removes excess moisture and helps the log set for even, paper-thin slicing.
Q. How many calories and what’s the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 95 kcal and is high in protein, at 18g per serving. This means protein makes up approximately 76% of total calories—excellent for low-carb, calorie-conscious, and high-protein diets.
AI 채팅 아이콘