Cooking octopus can feel tricky, but using an Instant Pot makes it so easy. Pulpo Gallego is a famous Spanish dish, and making it at home is very satisfying. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
We are using only salt and paprika so you can enjoy it's natural taste. Feel free to add more spices to taste.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Using an Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking octopus. It’s a reliable way to get tender, perfectly cooked octopus every time. The high pressure cooks the octopus quickly, making it soft without turning it mushy. This method also keeps the kitchen cool and clean, unlike traditional boiling.
This recipe is also simple because it uses basic ingredients. You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find spices. Just a few fresh ingredients and the Instant Pot. Plus, it’s a healthier way to enjoy octopus since it uses minimal oil and salt.
Ingredients
Whole Octopus: The main star. You can find it fresh or frozen. If frozen, thaw it first.
Water: Helps create steam in the Instant Pot.
Kosher Salt: Adds flavor to the octopus. Sea salt can be a good substitute.
Paprika: Sprinkled on top for a smoky flavor. Smoked paprika works great too.
Olive Oil: Drizzled on top for richness. You can use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
Tips
- Use a fresh or properly thawed octopus for the best texture.
- Rinse the octopus well to remove any sand or grit.
- Don’t overcook. The Instant Pot does the work, so trust the timer.
- For extra flavor, add bay leaves or garlic to the water.
- Broil the octopus for a crispier texture after cooking.
How to Serve
Pulpo Gallego is best served warm, right after cooking. It’s a simple dish, but you can make it more exciting with a few sides. Serve it as an appetizer or a main dish.
For a full meal, try these serving ideas:
- Over potato slices (or scalloped Potatoes) as a Galician octopus tapa, as you can see in the image above.
- With a salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely.
- With crusty bread: Serve with some good bread to soak up the olive oil and juices.
You can also go simple with mashed potatoes, jasmine rice or green beans.
How do I make it crispy?
After cooking, you can broil the octopus using the Air Fryer Lid (or the oven) for extra crisp.
Seafood Recipes
Instant Pot Octopus
Ingredients
- 1 whole octopus rinsed
- 1 cup water
- kosher salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika for serving
- olive oil for serving
Instructions
- Place octopus in the Instant Pot and add water and kosher salt.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 16 minutes.
- When cooking time is complete, do a quick pressure release.
- Open the lid and cut the octopus into pieces.
- Add paprika on top, drizzle olive oil and serve 🙂
Broiling (Optional)
- Remove the water from the Instant Pot, and place the octopus inside the Air Fryer Basket.
- Cover with the air fryer lid and BROIL at 400 °F for 5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Notes
- Use a fresh or properly thawed octopus for the best texture.
- Rinse the octopus well to remove any sand or grit.
- Don’t overcook. The Instant Pot does the work, so trust the timer.
- For extra flavor, add bay leaves or garlic to the water.
- Broil the octopus for a crispier texture after cooking using air fryer lid or oven.
Cooked 5 lb. octopus perfectly. Grilled afterwards for a char. Served with vinaigrette; olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper.
Kids were disappointed when there wasn't any left. Will make again. Thank you for a great recipe.
How would you adjust this recipe/method for (1) baby octopus; and (2) without an instant pot? Thanks in advance.
A normal octopus would simmer 2 hours in a normal pot on low heat in its own juices, you don’t need to add any water. You can adjust baby octopus down to 1.5 hrs or even less based on the size.
Can you cook from frozen?
Yes! Should be fine with the same amount of time.
Lots of Americans eat Octopus and love Spanish food.
How do you prep the octopus? Do you just cut it up into chunks? Do you peel the skin off?
No need to peel the skin off- it's edible! Just rinse the octopus and cut into pieces.
What about the paprika?
That should be added with the other spices, I will update the recipe text. Thank you for mentioning!
How come this is American cuisine?