What is the right way to cook octopus: hints and tips
An octopus cooking is generally believed to be the pinnacle of a culinary excellence. This exotic product sometimes causes difficulties even for experienced chefs with great skills. However, even beginners are able to cope with such a task if certain rules and recommendations are taken into consideration.
Unique technology features
Innovative sous vide technology guarantees precise timing and temperature control which are essential for a perfect octopus processing. The sous vide method involves a vacuumed cooking when ingredients are placed into an air-free space first. This is followed by a slow cooking process at low temperatures which allows to get an excellent result. Dishes made that way can be characterized by an incredible taste and rich flavor.
You can cook octopus according to various recipes as its meat goes well with many other ingredients. This feature provides unique opportunities for creating exciting snacks as well as appetizers and hot dishes.
What steps are required for the cooking process
There is a certain sequence of actions that is recommended to adhere when cooking octopus. The standard process goes as follows:
- preheating a water bath to 78°С;
- decapitating and washing tentacles thoroughly;
- rubbing with an olive oil and vacuumizing;
- sealing a bag tight to ensure a zero leakage;
- immersing into the water bath and cooking for 5 hours.
By the end of the procedure, the octopus must be removed from the vacuum bag and dried off thoroughly. If the meat is planned to be used later, then it is possible to leave it sealed for a while. The dish must be cooled down before shelving into a fridge.
The octopus has an amazing ability to absorb different kinds of flavors. To give the dish a piquancy, you can add rosemary, savoury Thai spices or red wine.
- Octopus 1 piece
- Olive oil