Looking for something truly unique to excite your taste buds? This octopus burger brings together tender grilled octopus, melted Edamer cheese, and fresh ingredients for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for an outdoor barbecue or a special treat, it combines the delicate flavors of the sea with the heartiness of a classic burger. Let’s dive into this recipe and make something amazing today.
Octopus Burger (Piatti Unici)
Serves: 2
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hamburger buns | 2 |
| Octopus | 1 whole |
| Water | 50g |
| Heirloom tomatoes (Cuore di Bue) | 2 |
| Lamb’s lettuce (Songino) | 40g |
| Edamer cheese | 170g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Rosemary | To taste |
| Thyme | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Octopus
- Begin by soaking your cutting board in water for a couple of hours. This will help prepare it for grilling the octopus later.
- Once the board is ready, clean the octopus. Carefully cut off the eyes and clean the mollusk, making sure to remove any parts that need to be discarded.
Step 2: Cooking the Octopus
- Place the octopus in a pot with 50g of water and cover it with a lid. Cook the octopus over low to medium heat for about 60 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the water level—if it starts to evaporate too quickly, lower the heat and add a few tablespoons of water as needed.
- Once the octopus is cooked, allow it to cool in the pot, keeping the lid on. This will ensure the meat stays tender.
Step 3: Preparing the Buns and Cheese
- After the octopus has cooled, divide it into two pieces for your burgers.
- Slice the Edamer cheese into two thick slices, about 2 cm each.
- Cut the hamburger buns in half using a serrated knife.
Step 4: Grilling Time!
- Preheat your barbecue to a high temperature. Place a cedar plank on the grill and close the lid. Wait for the cedar to begin smoking gently.
- Place the bottom halves of the hamburger buns on the grill on the other side. Once they are golden and crispy, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
- Repeat the same process with the top halves of the buns—grill them until they are perfectly toasted, then set aside.
Step 5: Grilling the Octopus
- Now it’s time to grill the octopus! Place the two pieces of octopus on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the outside to develop a golden, crispy crust while the inside stays tender and juicy.
Step 6: Assembling the Burger
- While the octopus grills, place a slice of Edamer cheese on each of the grilled bun bases.
- Once the octopus is perfectly grilled, place each piece on the respective bun base with the cheese.
- Top the octopus with fresh lamb’s lettuce (songino), adding a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Finally, close the burger with the grilled top buns.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve your octopus burgers immediately, savoring every bite of the deliciously smoky, tender octopus paired with the melted cheese and fresh greens.
Cooking Tips
- Grilling the Octopus: Ensure the octopus is cooked just right—too much grilling can make it tough, so keep an eye on it to get that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Cedar Plank Smoke: The cedar plank will impart a unique smoky flavor to both the buns and the octopus, enhancing the overall taste of the burger.
- Alternative Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings like grilled peppers or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth.
This octopus burger is a perfect dish for anyone looking to try something a little out of the ordinary. The flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite something special. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a burger enthusiast, this recipe brings the best of both worlds to your plate.
Enjoy this elevated twist on a classic favorite, and make your next barbecue or dinner a memorable one with this unique octopus burger!
