Where can I buy raw octopus?
I've had several phenomenal grilled octopus dishes at (out of town) restaurants over the past month. Octopus is not something I'd even tried to cook before, but these grilled preparations were so delicious that I'm thinking I might give it a shot. Does anyone know where I can buy raw octopus? I don't recall ever seeing it, even at places like Captain Marden. Is it all frozen? Is it expensive? TIA!
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Courthouse and Market Basket both have whole frozen octopus. I believe I've also seen it at Seabra Foods in Somerville. Prices seem to range from $5-10/lb or so, depending on size, store, and whether it's been cleaned or not.
Two things to keep in mind: octopus shrinks a LOT during cooking. I don't know offhand how much (one blog says their 27oz uncooked octopus yielded 8oz of meat after cooking), but keep that in mind when you see what you thing are comically large specimens. Also, don't forget that you have to boil it before grilling (I assume you know this since you've looked at recipes, but a reminder can't hurt).
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Ive seen it at CMart and other Asian markets..previously frozen. I love it grilled but a slow braise is good too. I don't think it's very expensive but don't recall the price. east to grill, just afew mis each side; just experiment cuz our grills are unlikely to be the same temp.
Enjoy!
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Previous threads (and this NYT article) suggest that most "fresh" octopus is actually thawed frozen octopus, and that frozen octopus is actually better (for most purposes) because it turns out more tender.
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