Easy octopus recipes: original ideas to break out of your routine

Tender, juicy, with an irresistible taste of the sea and an innate ability to turn any meal into a special occasion. We're talking, of course, about octopus. The star ingredient of Galician cuisine.

If you're looking for ideas to break out of your (food) routine, you'll love this selection of easy octopus recipes: from traditional dishes to more modern versions.

Get your apron ready because today you'll discover how easy it is to turn an ingredient with so much personality into the star of your next menu.

Octopus Mugardos style

Galician-style octopus is one of the most characteristic dishes of this region and deserves all the accolades. However, the Atlantic culinary tradition holds equally irresistible gems. That's why we're suggesting a seafood stew with potatoes, originally from Mugardos (A Coruña).

In this recipe we explain how to prepare octopus Mugardesa style so that you lose your fear of cooking this emblematic Galician dish.

Octopus marmikato

What happens when Galicia's rich seafaring tradition meets the slow-cooked stews of the Basque Country? The result is a culinary masterpiece: octopus marmitako.

This recipe reinterprets one of the most traditional stews in Basque cuisine. A flavorful, complete, and very easy-to-prepare dish to enjoy the most traditional tastes.

Beans with octopus

When the mastery of Galician cuisine meets the Asturian devotion to hearty stews, the result is a true culinary masterpiece.

This is Karlos Arguiñano's recipe: a nutritious and tasty bean stew with octopus that you'll want to make again.

Octopus empanada

The empanada is another classic of Galician cuisine that can be filled with countless ingredients. This octopus empanada is a perfect recipe for the office. It can be eaten at room temperature, warm, or hot.

Want to save time on preparation? If you don't want to make the puff pastry dough, you can buy the sheet at any supermarket.

Soupy rice with octopus

Another easy octopus recipe with a classic, yet winning combination. This dish by Karlos Arguiñano is perfect for those who prefer to play it safe.

Discover the step-by-step instructions for preparing a soupy rice dish with octopus and vegetables.

Grilled octopus with potato parmentier

Octopus lends itself to different culinary techniques, such as this recipe with grilled octopus accompanied by potato parmentier.

And what exactly is parmentier? A layered gratin of mashed potatoes with minced meat. In this recipe from Karlos Arguiñano, you'll learn how to cook it easily.

Octopus soup

If broths, creams, and soups are the undisputed kings of your table when the cold weather sets in, it's time to broaden your horizons.

This octopus soup is a highly prized delicacy from the coastal town of Zumaia, in Gipuzkoa. A traditional Basque recipe that will surprise you (and greatly so).