Visit The Portuguese Kitchen Shop ›
Tuga Pops − Thursday, March 2, 2023, 3 Years ago in Seafood Recipes
5 out of 5 with 2 ratings

Roasted Octopus (Polvo Assado) Recipe

Try Portugal's roasted octopus with tender potatoes, zesty chorizo, and fresh veggies for a tasty coastal meal.
2 h 30 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 30 min Cooking Time 2 h
Jump to Recipe

Why you will love this Roasted Octopus (Polvo Assado) Recipe

Get ready to dive into a delicious Roasted Octopus (Polvo Assado) dish! This recipe features tender octopus marinated in a mix of flavors and paired with hearty potatoes, garlic, chorizo, and fresh veggies. Roasted to perfection, it captures the vibrant spirit of Mediterranean cooking. Your guests will be wowed by both the stunning presentation and the mouthwatering taste. Enjoy this seafood delight!


Ingredients

1 octopus weighing approximately 1.5 kg1 kg of potatoes2 onions cut into half moon rings2 minced garlic cloves2 bay leaves100g skinless chorizo, cut into cubes1 sprig of parsley tied with a stringHalf red bell pepper cut into strips3 ripe tomatoes, skinless and seedless, cut into cubes1 chilli pepper200ml of olive oil250ml of white wineSalt and pepper (to taste)

Equipment:

OvenPanBaking traySlotted spoonFrying panKnifeCutting boardMeasuring spoons

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  2. Place the octopus in a pan with water and simmer over very low heat (180-200°F or 82-93°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, until the octopus is fork-tender.
  3. On a baking tray, place the bay leaves, the onion, the pepper strips, the potatoes and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Drizzle with 5 tablespoons of olive oil and half of the white wine.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
  6. In a frying pan, heat the remaining half of the oil, the garlic, the chilli, the chorizo and tomato cubes, the bunch of parsley and let it cook for 3 minutes.
  7. After 20 minutes in the oven, remove the tray and, with the help of a slotted spoon, move the potatoes to the edges.
  8. In the center of the board, place the parsley branch and the octopus.
  9. Drizzle the water used to cook the octopus, the remaining wine, the rest of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  10. Return to the oven, maintaining the same temperature and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are cooked and the sauce is set.

Recipe Tips

To ensure your octopus is tender, consider boiling it for about 45 minutes before roasting. This helps break down the tough fibers, making it more succulent during the roasting process.
When preparing the potatoes, cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Parboil them for 10 minutes before adding them to the roasting pan; this will help them achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
Avoid overcooking the octopus by keeping a close eye on it during the roasting stage. Roasting should take about 20-25 minutes at 200°C (400°F), and it’s essential to check for doneness regularly, as overcooked octopus can become rubbery.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Receitas de Portugal

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
570 kcal
Fat
26 g
Carbs
38 g
Protein
42 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen octopus instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen octopus. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking, and consider increasing the simmering time slightly as frozen octopus can take longer to become tender.

What can I substitute for chorizo if I can't find it?

If chorizo is unavailable, you can use any spicy sausage like andouille or even a combination of smoked paprika and regular sausage to replicate the flavor. For a vegetarian option, try using smoked tempeh or mushrooms with added spices.

How should I store leftovers, and how long will they keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the octopus and potatoes together, but it's best to consume them within a month for optimal flavor. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the oven.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light, crisp white wine offers refreshing acidity that complements the tender octopus and balances the richness of the olive oil and chorizo.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - A Sauvignon Blanc, with its zesty citrus notes and bright acidity, pairs well with the seafood and enhances the flavors of the roasted vegetables.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This popular Portuguese lager has a light, crisp profile that refreshes the palate, making it a great match for the savory qualities of roasted octopus.

General: Pilsner - A classic Pilsner, with its clean and slightly bitter finish, complements the dish by cutting through the richness of the olive oil and chorizo.

Other Beverages

Espresso: A shot of espresso offers a rich, bold contrast that can enhance the flavors of the octopus while providing a satisfying finish to the meal.

You might also like

Gorete's Baked Cod with Potatoes Recipe

Try Gorete's Baked Cod paired with flavorful potatoes, garlic, paprika, and a spicy touch of...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 4
Gorete's Spicy Piri Piri Shrimp Recipe

Gorete's spicy piri piri shrimp is a family favorite, delicious served over fluffy white rice to...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 4
Deliciously Tasty Fish Stew Recipe

Warm up with our delicious fish stew featuring striped bass, fresh veggies, and flavorful spices....

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 4

Reviews (2) Add a review

glenndarrigo
glenndarrigo
How long do you cook the octopus in the water on very low heat what is very low heat a simmer it's not in the recipe?
1 Year ago, Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes over low heat (180-200°F or 82-93°C) until the octopus is fork-tender
1 Year ago, Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
Share
this Page
Facebook Pinterest X Reddit