Whole30 Crispy Fried Octopus

Dive into the bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors of Whole30 Crispy Fried Octopus, a dish that perfectly balances tender seafood with a satisfyingly crispy texture. This paleo-friendly and gluten-free recipe begins by simmering baby octopus in a citrus-infused, salted bath, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Coated in lightly seasoned coconut flour, the octopus is then pan-fried to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior without compromising its juicy interior. Enhanced with a tantalizing blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and black pepper, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is as irresistible as it is healthy. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty touch, making it the perfect appetizer or main course for seafood lovers seeking a Whole30-compliant treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby octopus
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 whole lemon
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 cup coconut flour
• 0.5 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 6 cups cold water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the octopus under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring 6 cups of cold water to a boil. Add the sea salt and the whole lemon after slicing it in half.

Step 3

Once the water is boiling, reduce to a simmer and add the octopus. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the octopus is tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4

After simmering, drain the octopus and allow it to cool slightly. Cut the tentacles apart from the body.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this spice mix over the octopus tentacles.

Step 6

Place the coconut flour in a shallow dish. Roll each piece of octopus in the coconut flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 7

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

Step 8

Fry the octopus in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Remove the fried octopus tentacles and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2593.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2789.8

Total Fat 132.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.7g
Cholesterol 437.6mg	0%
Sodium 10882.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 49.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.8g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 325.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1143.8mg	0%
Iron 107.7mg	0%
Potassium 5778.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.3%

Protein: 48.4%

Carbs: 7.3%