When it comes to seafood, octopus is often considered a bit of an enigma. It’s definitely not fish, but it’s not quite shellfish, either.
So, what do you serve with an octopus? Look no further if you’re looking for the perfect sides to accompany your next octopus dish! Here are five of our favorites:
Best 19 Side Dishes to serve with Octopus
1. A Simple Salad
Nothing easy like a simple salad. Octopus is often served as a tapa or appetizer, so a light salad is a perfect accompaniment. Try a mix of greens with a vinaigrette dressing or a traditional Greek salad with olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes.
2. Spicy potato salad
This salad is the perfect accompaniment to any seafood dish, and its zesty flavors really complement the octopus well. It’s also nice and light, so it won’t weigh you down.
3. Roasted potatoes
Potatoes are always a good idea, and they’re especially delicious when roasted to perfection. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they can soak up all the delicious juices from the octopus.
Read More- 18 quick & easy pairs to serve with Potato Croquettes
4. Want a Low Carb option? Try Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb yet healthy option for those looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor. Octopus pairs well with cauliflower rice when cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
5. Fresh fruit
Seafood dishes are often served with fresh fruit as an accompaniment, and octopus is no exception. Try serving it with slices of lemon or lime to brighten the dish and add a touch of acidity.
6. Thai Green Curry with Octopus
Try serving octopus with a Thai-style green curry for a more adventurous option. The rich curry flavors will complement the octopus’s own flavor, and the dish will be packed with healthy antioxidants and vitamins.
7. Roasted vegetables- Simple but Elegant
Roasted vegetables are a great way to add extra flavor and nutrition to your meal. They go really well with octopus. Try roasting some carrots and onions for a delicious side dish.
8. Zucchini Noodles
Octopus also pairs well with vegetable noodles such as zucchini noodles or carrot noodles. Add some garlic and olive oil for a simple and healthy dish.
9. Couscous
Couscous is a light and fluffy grain that makes a great side dish for seafood. It’s also packed with nutrients, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a healthy option.
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10. Greek salad
A classic Greek salad is always a good choice with seafood. The octopus goes particularly well with the olives and feta cheese.
11. Quinoa salad
Quinoa is another healthy grain option that goes great with octopus. It has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the seafood, and it’s also packed with protein and other nutrients.
12. Green salad
A simple green salad is still a good option when serving seafood. The octopus goes particularly well with a vinaigrette dressing, so try making your own or using a store-bought variety.
13. Lentil salad
Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, making a delicious and healthy salad. The octopus goes well with the earthy flavors of the lentils.
14. Tomato salad
Tomatoes are the perfect addition to any seafood dish and make a great salad too. The octopus goes particularly well with a balsamic vinegar dressing. Try making your own or using a store-bought variety.
15. Cucumber salad
Cucumbers are refreshing and light, making them a great side dish for seafood. The octopus goes especially well with a yogurt or tzatziki sauce.
16. Beetroot salad
Beetroots are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making a delicious and healthy salad. The octopus goes really well with the sweetness of the beetroots.
17. Carrot salad
Carrots are a great source of Vitamin A and other nutrients, making a delicious and healthy salad. The octopus goes really well with the sweetness of the carrots, so try adding some to your next meal.
18. Corn salad
Corn is an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients, making a delicious and healthy salad. The octopus goes really well with the sweetness of the corn, so try adding some to your next meal.
19. Potato salad
Potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making a delicious and healthy salad. The octopus goes especially well with a mayonnaise or mustard dressing, so try adding some to your next meal.
5 best sauce goes with octopus
Octopus is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways. While it is often simply grilled or roasted, several sauces can complement its unique flavor.
Here are five of the best sauces to pair with octopus:
1. Lemon and Herb: A classic combination that enhances the natural flavor of the octopus.
2. Olive Oil and Garlic: A simple but flavorful sauce that is perfect for dipping.
3. Tomato and Basil: A classic pairing that works well with both grilled and roasted octopus.
4. Chili and Lime: A zesty sauce that adds a bit of spice to the dish.
5. Soy Sauce and Ginger: A savory sauce that is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Read More- 13 Best Sauce to Serve with Duck Confit
What is the best way to eat octopus?
When it comes to octopus, there are many different ways to enjoy this delicious seafood. You can just grill it, fry it, or even roast it.
One of the best ways to eat an octopus is to first braise it. This helps to tenderize the meat and bring out the natural flavors. Then, the octopus can be grilled or fried for a crispy exterior.
You can also enjoy raw, sashimi-style. This is a popular option in Japan, where sushi and sashimi are very popular dishes.
FAQs
How do you make octopus taste good?
The key to making octopus taste great is to cook it properly. Octopus should be cooked until it is tender but not overcooked, as this will result in a rubbery texture.
One way to achieve the perfect level of doneness is to grill or roast the octopus for a short period, then finish it with a quick sautee.
Seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon can enhance the flavor of octopus.
When paired with complementary ingredients, such as fresh vegetables or flavorful sauces, octopus makes for a truly delicious meal.
One of my favorite way to cook an octopus is to marinate it in a flavorful sauce or rub. This will help to infuse the meat with flavor and make it more tender.
Does octopus get softer the longer you cook it?
Yes, octopus gets softer the longer you cook it. If you are looking for a more tender octopus, then cook it for a longer period.
Remember that octopus can become tough if overcooked, so be careful not to overcook it.
What vegetables go well with the octopus?
Some vegetables that go well with octopus are potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavor.