Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Tips on Cooking Octopus


is considered a normal part of diet across Asia and the Mediterranean, cooking octopus is somewhat of a mystery in the United States. Many who have found a fascinating creature can not face the thought of ingesting any part of the eight-legged octopus cooked.

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, a cooking octopus salad, pasta and vegetables is done in Greece and Spain, among other things for years, it is only in recent years that appear on the menus in the United States. After initial hesitation to try bypassing a delicacy, most diners will find that they truly enjoy octopus when they actually enjoy the taste. In preparing octopus at home, cook will need to know some tips to ensure the taste of food before you start.

Octopus flesh is tough when it raw. Kitchens of different nationalities have different methods, apparently tried and true, that are used for delicate meat prior to cooking octopus. Some beat the octopus against a hard surface such as a table or wall, dipping the meat in boiling water before cooking is another favorite, while still others will rub the meat with salt, massaging it gently before it is cut at an angle to produce a product contest.

Most caterers will use a simpler way: cooking octopus slowly over time. Generally, it is prepared as well as a very lean cut of beef, dipped in liquid and simmered for about an hour, or until tender. Some cooks compare test doneness by the octopus with those potatoes, this is done when it gives a little resistance when pierced. Different liquids used when facilities for cooking octopus will impart a different taste, red wine, meat, water, and even olive oil can be used with excellent results:

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When you're finished cooking, octopus can be easily prepared. It can be lightly grilled, if desired, or it can be tossed with a variety of spices such as lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil or soy sauce to join a salad or pasta.

Cooking octopus is a part of many cultures for years. Sampling octopus can change the way you think about this eight-legged creature.