Perfect Octopus Tacos in 3 Easy Steps

octopus tacos

The Grand Velas Riviera Maya shares their recipe for authentic tacos de pulpo.


How to Make the Best Octopus Tacos

Cuisine:  Mexican

Chef:  Humberto May Tamay

Introduction

About this Recipe

From the Grand Velas Riviera Maya

At our Yucatecan restaurant, Chaka, octopus tacos are served “Ajillo” style with nopales (cactus) and crispy potato on Guajillo-flavored tortillas.

If you can’t make it to Mexico’s foodie resort on the Riviera Maya, try the recipe below for authentic tacos made with traditional corn tortillas you can find at any grocery store.

Raw octopus on ice in vintage bowl over wooden background

Octopus Tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb octopus*
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1.5 cups onion, sliced
  • 4.5 tbsp garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 cup leeks, chopped
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Guajillo chilies**, de-seeded and sliced
  • 1 cup lime juice
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • corn tortillas

*Fresh octopus is preferred however canned octopus can be used if fresh is not available.

**If you can’t find Guajillo chiles, you can substitute Ancho peppers or Pasilla peppers.

Two guajillo chili (guajillo chile) pods. Chile pepper.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Place octopus, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, leeks, salt, and black pepper in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, drain and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

In a medium pan, sauté the remaining garlic, remaining onion and guajillo chili in the butter and vegetable oil until fragrant. Add the octopus, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3

Top tortilla with octopus mixture and enjoy!

Chaká Restaurant, Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Chaka restaurant at night

Touting the reputation as the “foodie resort’ of the Caribbean coast, Grand Velas Riviera Maya features eight varied restaurants, including Chaká and Cocina de Autor, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to hold the AAA Five Diamond Award, all included in the nightly rate.

Check Rates and Reviews on TripAdvisor

 

More Mexican cuisine recipes…

Author

  • I am a mom of 2 who travels a lot for work (I work in the event/conference/tradeshow industry). I grew up  and currently live in Northern California.

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