
Grab some baby octopus and bright broccolini for a colorful meal that’s big on zing. You get all sorts of bold and lively flavors with a dish that feels special without being fussy. Reach for this when you want something different but easy to pull off and super tasty.
My twist on this started after a coastal getaway where grilled octopus kept popping up everywhere. Now, whipping this up at home is my go-to when I’m in the mood for something juicy and a bit fancy but still quick and light.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Fresh herbs: Torn parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top brings a nice lift to finish everything off
- Fresh orange juice: Squeeze it yourself for a sweet punch that wakes up all the flavors
- Chilli flakes: A little for subtle heat, you can add more or less if you want
- Sesame seeds: Toast them briefly to get the best nutty crunch in every bite
- Broccolini: Choose thick, bright stalks and trim them, they'll stay crisp and green
- Sesame oil: Go for toasted if you can for big, rich, nutty flavor
- Orange zest: Freshly grated orange peel makes everything pop—don’t skip it
- Soy sauce: The salty, umami kick, so grab a high-quality bottle for a boost
- Garlic and ginger: Chop both up fine, they'll make the dish taste warm and deep
- Olive oil: Use the good extra virgin stuff so the veggies and octopus shine
- Baby octopus: Make sure it’s spotless and either really fresh or defrosted gently for squidgy soft results
Simple Steps
- Combine and Plate:
- Toss octopus and broccolini together in a wide bowl or platter. Pour on any juicy leftovers from the pan, shower with more fresh herbs and extra sesame seeds, then bring it straight to the table while hot and steamy.
- Flash-Cook the Octopus:
- Fish octopus out of the marinade and drip off whatever’s clinging to it. Throw it in a piping hot pan for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s just cooked through and has a bit of color. While sizzling, hit it with chilli flakes and a good squeeze of orange juice so it glazes nicely. Take care not to let it go rubbery by overcooking.
- Broccolini Time:
- With octopus soaking, get a skillet hot, add olive oil, pop in broccolini, and keep tossing until it gets vivid green and just crisp at the edges—about 3 to 4 minutes. Add sesame seeds in the last minute so they coat the stalks, then slide the broccolini out of the pan.
- Give the Octopus a Soak:
- Dry off octopus with a cloth, pile into a bowl, then pour in soy sauce, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir everything and chill covered for at least 20 minutes to let the flavor soak deep.

Good Stuff to Remember
- Filled with protein and healthy oils thanks to olive and sesame
- Mixes punchy, balanced tastes from sea and earth
- Octopus wants just a bit of cooking—stick close to keep it tender
Whenever I zest an orange, it takes me right back to cheerful Sunday lunches with family—the citrus smell just fills the whole kitchen. The first time I made this, there was sunlight pouring in and lots of laughter around the table.
Best Ways to Store
Let leftovers cool, move them to a sealed glass container, and stash in the fridge—good for two days easy. Warm up gently in a skillet with a splash of water or juice. Skip the microwave if you want octopus to stay soft.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
No baby octopus? Try big squid tubes sliced into thick rings instead. If broccolini’s out of reach, regular broccoli or even some snappy asparagus work too. Tamari is a tasty swap for soy sauce if you need gluten-free.

How to Serve It
Share as a small starter for four—or pile on plates for two as a light dinner with toasted sourdough or scooped over warm rice. Goes down easy with a crisp white wine or a splashy citrus cocktail. Scatter over some baby greens if you want extra color and crunch.
Flavor Inside Info
Sesame oil with orange zest brings together Asian vibes with a little Mediterranean fun. It always gets people talking when I put it out. Play with the amount of chilli flakes or fresh herbs depending on what you like best.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the trick for keeping baby octopus nice and soft?
Just let the octopus soak in the marinade and cook it hot and fast so it stays tender. Don't let it hang out in the pan too long.
- → Can I switch broccolini for regular broccoli?
For sure! Just slice up your broccoli to match the size and watch the cook time so it doesn’t get mushy.
- → Which citrus tastes best here?
Orange gives a gentle sweetness, but you can grab a lemon or lime if you want more zip.
- → Is grilling the octopus cool instead of searing?
Yep! Grill it for a smoky bump in flavor. Keep an eye out so it doesn’t overcook.
- → What’s a good way to finish this dish?
Scatter some fresh parsley or cilantro, toss on extra orange zest, and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a tasty finish.
- → Can this double as an appetizer or main?
You can totally serve it up as a little starter or make it the main event, just change up the serving size and add some sides if you want.