Fresh Baby Octopus

Our baby octopus comes in fresh, with about 15 octopus per pound, for $9.99 a pound. Baby octopus is tender, mild and slightly sweet, and it is popular in Mediterranean and Asian cooking.

How to Cook Baby Octopus

The secret to tender octopus is to cook it either very fast or low and slow.

• Quick grill: marinate in olive oil, lemon, garlic and oregano, then grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
• Braise: simmer gently in tomato sauce or red wine for 45 minutes to an hour until fork tender.
• Two-step method: simmer for about 30 minutes until tender, then grill or pan-sear for color.
• Salad: chill braised octopus and toss with olive oil, celery, lemon and parsley.

Cleaning Tips

Rinse well under cold water. If the beak (a small hard piece at the center of the tentacles) is still in place, push it out with your finger and discard it.

Storage

Keep refrigerated and cook within one to two days, or freeze for longer storage. Octopus freezes well, and freezing can even help tenderize it.

More Seafood to Try

Serve octopus with grilled jumbo tiger shrimp or as part of a seafood platter with PEI mussels. Our menu also lists calamari salad when in season. See all items in the seafood shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many baby octopus are in a pound?

About 15 per pound.

How do you keep octopus from getting tough?

Cook it very quickly over high heat, or braise it slowly until tender. Medium cooking times are what make octopus chewy.

Is your baby octopus fresh?

Yes, it comes in fresh.