Grilled octopus is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make summertime meal. There are many delicious things that you can serve with grilled octopus, from simple green salad to Roasted or grilled potatoes.
But what should you pair with a grilled octopus that makes it more unique? The following are some of my preferred side dishes that go with grilled octopus.
12 Best Sides to serve with Grilled Octopus
1. Tacos
I like to pair my grilled octopus with tacos because the combination of flavors is unbeatable. The smoky octopus pairs perfectly with the salsa’s freshness and the taco shell’s crunch.
Plus, who can resist a little bit of tequila-lime butter? If you are looking for a fantastic but easy meal, look no further than grilled octopus tacos.
2. Tostadas
Tostadas and grilled octopus are combinations that work perfectly together. The crispy texture of the tostadas pairs perfectly with the tender, succulent, smoky grilled octopus.
The subtle flavor of the octopus is complemented by the freshness of the toppings, making for a truly delicious dish. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy grilled octopus, be sure to give tostadas a try. You won’t be disappointed.
3. Aioli
Grilled octopus is a popular dish in Spain and Portugal and is often served with Aioli. Aioli is a perfect match for grilled octopus because it’s a flavorful and thick, creamy sauce originates from the south of France that won’t overpower the delicate taste of the octopus.
It’s made with garlic, oil, and egg yolks and has a rich, slightly tangy flavor. Aioli is delicious on its own or as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.
Grilled octopus with aioli is ideal if you’re looking for an impressive yet easy-to-make appetizer or main course.
4. Grilled octopus with Dipping Sauce
Another great combination with Grilled octopus is the Dipping sauce. While many different dipping sauces pair well with grilled octopus, the best sauce is a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
The bright acidity of the lemon juice helps to balance the rich flavor of the octopus, while the olive oil adds a touch of luxury.
A sprinkle of salt helps to bring out all the flavors and ensures that this dish is perfectly seasoned.
5. Ceviche
When it comes to pairing seafood with the perfect side dish, ceviche is hard to beat. And grilled octopus could be more exceptional.
This Latin American dish is typically made with fresh fish or shellfish marinated in citrus juice. The acidity of the citrus juice helps to firm up the flesh of the grilled octopus, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful dish.
6. Enjoy Your grilled octopus with a Simple Salad
A simple green salad is always on the go side for any rich dish.
A simple green salad with a light dressing is the perfect way to balance out a meal, and it can also be easily customized to suit your preferences.
Adding chopped herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese can give your salad an extra flavor boost.
If you’re looking for a more robust choice, pasta salad or potato salad are also excellent choices that pair well with grilled octopus.
7. Eggplant
Serving eggplant with grilled octopus is beyond the level of delight you never imagined. Eggplant brings a unique set of flavors to the table that complements grilled octopus perfectly.
The sweet taste of eggplant pairs perfectly with the smoky char of grilled octopus, while the fleshy texture contrasts the seafood’s tenderness.
In addition, eggplant is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal without sacrificing nutrition.
So next time you’re looking for the perfect pairing for your grilled octopus, be sure to give eggplant a try.
8. Chorba or Shorba
Maybe Chorba and grilled octopus sound a little weird but trust me, you’ll be stunned by their combination.
This light, refreshing stew is the perfect complement to grilled octopus. The subtle spiciness of the soup helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Best of all, Chorba is relatively easy to make and drives a delicious weeknight meal.
9. Pasta
The smoky flavor of the octopus pairs nicely with the creamy richness of pasta dishes made with Alfredo sauce.
Try pairing grilled octopus with a simple tomato sauce for a lighter option. The acidity of the tomato sauce will help balance out the octopus’s smoky flavors.
Or, for a truly unique dish, try pairing grilled octopus with black bean and corn salsa. The sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the black beans will perfectly complement the grilled octopus’s smoky flavor.
10. A light, fruity white wine
A light, fruity white wine is a perfect pair for grilled octopus. The wine’s acidity helps cut through the octopus’s richness, while the fruitiness complements its flavor.
Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio for a perfect summertime meal. A Riesling would be an excellent suggestion for a light, fruity white wine to grill octopus.
11. A refreshing beer
A refreshing beer is a good pairing that perfectly goes with grilled octopus. The light, citrusy flavors of the beer cut through the richness of the octopus, making for a dish that is both flavorful and easy to eat.
If you’re peeking for a summertime meal that impresses you, try grilling octopus with a refreshing beer.
12. Ice cream or sorbet for dessert
My favorite way to enjoy grilled octopus is with delicious ice cream or sorbet. The sweetness of the ice cream or sorbet pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the grilled octopus, and it’s a delicious combination! I highly recommend trying this pairing next time you grill octopus.
9 Best sauces to serve with grilled octopus
If you just want sauce and grilled octopus on your table, won’t’ worry; I listed that too.
There are endless sauces to go with grilled octopus; however, these five sauces are particularly well-suited to the rich, savory flavor of grilled octopus.
1. Romesco Sauce
This Spanish sauce includes roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and olive oil. It has a rich, creamy texture and a slight sweetness that pairs well with the smoky flavor of grilled octopus.
2. Spicy Harissa Sauce
This North African sauce is made with chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky octopus.
3. Tapenade
This Provençal sauce is made with olives, anchovies, capers, olive oil, and vinegar. It is a piquant sauce that adds flavor to the grilled octopus without overwhelming it.
4. Tzatziki Sauce
This Greek sauce is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and olive oil. The sauce is light and refreshing, cutting through the richness of the grilled octopus.
5. Herb Sauce
This simple sauce is made with olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme. It is a bright and flavorful sauce that enhances the natural flavor of the grilled octopus.
6. A classic Mediterranean sauce
A classic Mediterranean olive oil and lemon juice dressing. The acidity of the lemon juice helps balance the octopus’s richness, while the olive oil adds sweetness.
7. Chimichurri Sauce
A flavorful chimichurri sauce from Argentina. This green sauce is made with parsley, garlic, and vinegar, and it has a slightly spicy kick that pairs well with the smoky flavor of grilled octopus.
8. Aioli
Try a creamy aioli sauce made with mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice for something more indulgent. This rich sauce is perfect for dipping grilled octopus into, or you can use it as a spread for a sandwich or wrap.
9. Romesco Sauce
Another excellent option is romesco sauce, a traditional Spanish sauce made with roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic. The sweetness of the peppers complements the smokiness of the octopus perfectly.
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