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MARINATED OCTOPUS APPETIZER — INSPIRED BY VIÑA, SAN SEBASTIAN

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MARINATED OCTOPUS APPETIZER — INSPIRED BY VIÑA, SAN SEBASTIAN

MARINATED OCTOPUS APPETIZER — INSPIRED BY VIÑA, SAN SEBASTIAN

Alongside the famous Viña cheesecake, their marinated octopus stole my heart. This appetizer is a must-try when boiling octopus — bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a little heat. Serve it chilled with toasted bread for a delicious starter.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min + marinating

🍳 Cook Time: According to octopus boiling instructions
🍽️ Yields: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 150 g boiled octopus (center part near the head)
  • 1 small white onion (about 50 g), finely sliced
  • 1 small green chili pepper (about 15-20 g), sliced into half rings
  • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
  • 4-5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 7 tbsp good-quality Spanish olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil the octopus following your trusted method. Drain and cut tentacles, reserving only the central thick portion for this recipe. (Use the tentacle tips for other dishes like grilled octopus.)
  2. Slice octopus into rounds, sprinkle with salt and ½ tbsp vinegar, and let rest.
  3. Finely slice onion and cut chili into half rings. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Drain onion and chili by squeezing gently (using your hand or cheesecloth).
  5. Toss drained onion and chili with ½ tbsp vinegar and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  6. Combine onion, chili, and octopus. Gradually add olive oil and sugar while mixing.
  7. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer in the fridge for best flavor.
  8. Serve chilled with toasted bread.

Tip: If fresh chili is unavailable, use pickled green chili (guindilla) added along with the olive oil.

💡 Tips

  • Marinating helps balance the octopus’ rich texture with acidity and spice.
  • Use quality Spanish olive oil for authentic flavor.
  • Adjust chili amount to your preferred heat level.
  • Serve as a refreshing tapa or light starter.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Tapas nights and seafood lovers
  • Light appetizers for summer meals
  • Authentic Basque-inspired dishes

📝 Final Thoughts

This marinated octopus appetizer captures the bright, fresh flavors of San Sebastian’s Viña, making it a standout dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve.