Citrus-Spiced Baby Octopus with Crunchy Broccolini 🍊🐙🌿
**Ingredients:
**For the Baby Octopus:
- 1 pound baby octopus, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
**For the Broccolini:
- 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
**Directions:
**For the Baby Octopus:
1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes (if using), orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the baby octopus to the bowl and toss to coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Once hot, add the marinated octopus and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the octopus is golden brown and tender. Set aside.
**For the Broccolini:
1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Add the broccolini and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccolini is tender but still bright green and slightly crispy at the edges.
3. Season with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
**Assemble the Dish:
1. Arrange the cooked broccolini on a serving plate.
2. Top with the citrus-spiced baby octopus.
3. Serve warm and garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.