Do You Have to Clean Octopus Tentacles Before Eating Them?
- Octopus tentacles that have not been cleaned are slimy and may contain dirt and debris inside the suckers. Washing the tentacles with water and running your fingers over each sucker can get rid of the debris. To get rid of the sliminess, you can rub the tentacles with rice bran before you rinse them with water.
- If you don't want to have to deal with cleaning octopus tentacles, you have two options. First, you can purchase octopus that is sold frozen, as all frozen octopus is cleaned before being frozen. If you want to purchase fresh octopus, simply ask the fishmonger to clean the tentacles for you.
- Once you have cleaned your octopus tentacles, there are a number of opinions on the best way to prepare it. Some people grill octopus, others simmer it in liquid until a knife easily pierces the skin. Soaking an octopus in brine before cooking it or cooking it in a dry pan can also achieve good results.
- Since most octopus sold in the United States is already cleaned, don't let the thought of having to clean your octopus tentacles keep you from attempting to cook this nutritious type of seafood. Just watch your octopus closely to keep from overcooking it and making it tough and rubbery. Octopus usually takes about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound, but can take longer.
