If you’ve ever wandered past Costco’s seafood section and spotted the vacuum-sealed packages of cooked octopus, you may have asked yourself: “What do I actually do with that?” The answer is — a lot.
This Costco octopus recipe transforms that pre-cooked seafood into a flavorful, restaurant-worthy dish right at home.
This recipe delivers crispy, charred edges, tender insides, and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s fast, impressive, and perfect for a light main dish or elegant appetizer. Even if you’ve never cooked octopus before, this is the place to start.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Costco’s octopus is already cooked and cleaned — zero prep stress! You just need to crisp it up and add a little flavor. This recipe sears it in a hot pan or grill for those irresistible charred bits, then finishes it off with a bright lemon-garlic olive oil and fresh herbs.
It’s low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free, and comes together in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re entertaining or just feeling adventurous on a weeknight, this dish is a total win.
What You’ll Need
- 1–1½ lbs pre-cooked octopus (from Costco)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, for heat
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Pro Tips
- Pat the octopus dry before searing — this ensures crisp, golden edges.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear in batches if needed so it caramelizes, not steams.
- Use a grill pan or outdoor grill if you want more smokiness.
- Let the lemon garlic oil rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Leftovers? Try it cold the next day in salads or pasta — it’s amazing!
Tools You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet or grill pan (or outdoor grill)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Citrus zester
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
Substitutions and Variations
- Citrus swap: Use lime or orange zest for a flavor twist.
- Mediterranean version: Add sliced olives, tomatoes, and feta.
- Spicy version: Add harissa or chili paste to the oil.
- Herbs: Swap parsley for cilantro, dill, or basil.
- Add a starch: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Make Ahead Tips
Since Costco’s octopus is pre-cooked, you can prep everything ahead of time — even sear it and reheat gently before serving. The lemon garlic oil can also be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Instructions
1. Prep the Octopus
Remove the octopus from the package and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. If it’s in large tentacles, slice into bite-sized pieces or 2–3 inch segments.
2. Make the Lemon Garlic Oil
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and let sit while you cook the octopus.
3. Sear or Grill the Octopus
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. When hot, place octopus in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Work in batches if needed. You can also use a grill or grill pan.
4. Drizzle and Serve
Transfer the seared octopus to a serving platter. Drizzle with lemon garlic oil and garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover cooked octopus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great cold in salads or can be gently reheated in a skillet. The lemon garlic oil can be refrigerated separately for up to 5 days.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Is Costco octopus already cooked?
Yes — it’s fully cooked and ready to eat. This recipe just sears it for flavor and texture.
Q: Can I grill the octopus instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Brush with oil and grill over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
Q: Is octopus tough or chewy?
When pre-cooked properly (like Costco’s version), it’s tender. Searing adds a nice crisp without drying it out.
Q: What can I serve with this?
Roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or crusty bread pair beautifully. It also works well as a tapas-style appetizer.
Fresh, Fast, and Impressively Easy
This Costco octopus recipe proves that cooking something unique doesn’t have to be complicated. With bold lemon-garlic flavor and beautifully seared edges, it’s a dish that feels upscale — but takes just minutes to prepare.
Try it for your next dinner party or when you want something new and exciting for dinner. And if you give it a go, drop a comment and tell me how it turned out! Did you grill it? Add spice? I’d love to hear your version.