Name: Easy Octopus Ceviche Recipe (Ceviche de Pulpo) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 pounds octopus meat; 1 ¼ cups freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1-2 serrano or jalapeño chiles, thinly sliced; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Corn tortillas; Lime wedges; Radishes, thinly sliced; Jalapeños, thinly sliced

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Introduction

This easy octopus ceviche, or ceviche de pulpo, is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as an appetizer. Tender octopus meat is marinated in zesty lime juice with fresh herbs and chilies, creating a bright and vibrant seafood treat.

A light grey bowl filled with a colorful octopus salad, showing about five clear layers of chunky white and purple octopus pieces mixed with thinly sliced radishes, green jalapeño slices, and finely chopped green herbs topped with small parsley leaves. Two lime slices rest on the left side inside the bowl, with a silver spoon placed on the right edge. The bowl sits on a dark grey plate that holds several lime slices beneath it. On the white marbled surface around the bowl, some lime slices and small bits of herbs are scattered, with two toasted white tortillas in the top left and bottom right corners. A small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs is near the top right, a salt jar and a folded grey cloth are placed to the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds octopus meat
1 ¼ cups freshly squeezed lime juice
1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1-2 serrano or jalapeño chiles (thinly sliced)
¼ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Corn tortillas (to serve)
Lime wedges (to serve)
Radishes (thinly sliced, to serve)
Jalapeños (thinly sliced, to serve)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the octopus and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes until tender. Remove from water and allow to cool.
Step 2: Dice the cooled octopus into small 1-inch pieces and place them in a bowl.
Step 3: Add the lime juice, thinly sliced red onion, chiles, chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the octopus. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld and the acidity to “cook” the octopus further. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve chilled with warm corn tortillas, lime wedges, sliced radishes, and extra jalapeños on the side for garnish and added heat.

Tips & Variations

For a milder spice, remove the seeds from the chiles before slicing.
Substitute lemon juice if you don’t have fresh limes, though limes provide the classic flavor.
Adding diced tomatoes or cucumber can add extra freshness and texture.
Use store-bought cooked octopus to save time; just dice and marinate.

Storage

Store leftover ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits, but the texture of the octopus may become firmer. Serve chilled and consume quickly for best taste. Avoid freezing ceviche as it can alter the texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dish in a white plate filled with chopped octopus pieces showing white and pinkish flesh, mixed with thinly sliced radishes that have white centers and red edges, as well as green jalapeño slices. There are also purple onion slices and green chopped herbs sprinkled on top. A silver spoon rests on the edge of the plate and a halved lime is placed inside the dish near the bottom right. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat ceviche with raw octopus?

This recipe calls for fully cooked octopus, making it safe to eat. The octopus is boiled first, then marinated in lime juice for flavor.

Can I prepare ceviche in advance?

Yes, ceviche improves when allowed to marinate for a couple of hours. However, it’s best consumed within 2 days to enjoy the freshest taste and best texture.