What is taco octopus?

Taco octopus, or taco de pulpo , is a type of taco that features cooked octopus as the main filling. The octopus is typically boiled or pressure-cooked until tender and then grilled or pan-seared to give it a slightly charred, smoky flavor before being served in a tortilla with various fresh toppings.

What is an octopus taco in Japanese?

While the taco itself is a Mexican dish, the word for octopus in Japanese is tako (たこ). Japan has many popular octopus dishes, such as takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and octopus sashimi, but a fusion-style "octopus taco" might be referred to as tako no takosu (タコのタコス).

Are octopus tacos healthy?

Yes, octopus tacos are generally a very healthy option. Octopus is an excellent source of lean protein, is low in saturated fat, and provides several essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and selenium. When loaded with fresh vegetable toppings, they make for a well-balanced and nutritious meal.

What meat goes well with octopus?

Octopus has a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs well with several other meats. Spicy, smoky meats like Spanish chorizo or andouille sausage create a wonderful contrast. For a "surf and turf" style taco, it also goes beautifully with grilled shrimp, scallops, or a flaky white fish like cod.

Octopus Tacos: 1 Amazing Trick for Fantastic Flavor

Name: Octopus Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked octopus tentacles, thawed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 8 corn or flour tortillas, warmed; ½ white onion, diced; 2 ripe avocados, thinly sliced; 2 limes, cut into wedges; 4 radishes, thinly sliced; ¼ head red cabbage, finely shredded; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Description

These octopus tacos are surprisingly easy to make and packed with flavor. Using pre-cooked octopus saves time, while a quick trip to the grill gives it an irresistible smoky char. Topped with fresh, crunchy vegetables, these tacos are a healthy and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cooked octopus tentacles, thawed

1 tbsp olive oil

8 corn or flour tortillas, warmed

½ white onion, diced

2 ripe avocados, thinly sliced

2 limes, cut into wedges

4 radishes, thinly sliced

¼ head red cabbage, finely shredded

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat your grill to medium heat. If not using a grill, heat a griddle pan or large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Toss the thawed octopus tentacles with olive oil in a bowl to lightly coat them.

3. Place the octopus on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly charred and heated through. Do the same if using a skillet.

4. Remove the octopus from the grill and slice it into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.

5. Assemble the tacos by placing the warm octopus pieces in the tortillas. Top with diced white onion, avocado slices, radish, and red cabbage.

6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Make sure your grill or pan is hot before adding the octopus. This helps create a nice char quickly without overcooking the octopus.

Warm your tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds, or by heating them for a few seconds directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 10
Category: Entrees
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 Tacos
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 450
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 13
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 9
Protein: 25
Cholesterol: 95