Skip to main content

Tandoori Octopus

This vibrant tandoori octopus brings a sophisticated touch of spice to your table, combining the tender texture of perfectly simmered seafood with the warm, aromatic notes of traditional Indian seasonings. By boiling the octopus until supple and then finishing it in a searingly hot frying pan, you achieve a delightful contrast between the soft interior and the lightly crisped, spiced edges. It is a striking dish that celebrates fresh ingredients while remaining surprisingly simple to master at home.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in lean protein, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner. The use of fragrant tandoori powder provides a deep, savoury flavour without the need for heavy sauces or sugars. Serve the sliced tentacles alongside a crisp green salad or a cooling dollop of unsweetened Greek yoghurt for a balanced, heart-healthy meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Tandoori Octopus

  • 450g whole octopus, cleaned, or 450g precooked octopus tentacles

  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon white peppercorns

  • 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil

  • Kosher salt

  • 3 teaspoons tandoori powder or seasoning

How to make Tandoori Octopus

Rub octopus with sea salt to season it, then rinse well to remove excess. Place octopus and peppercorns in a large pot and fill pot with cold water; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until octopus can be easily pierced with the tip of a knife, 45–55 minutes.

Invert a large bowl inside an even larger one, creating a dome. Drain octopus and place on inverted bowl so tentacles hang down. Chill at least 2 hours. Cut tentacles from octopus; discard head. Thinly slice tentacles crosswise into 1/2"-thick pieces.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add half of octopus; season with kosher salt. Cook until lightly browned and almost crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons tandoori powder and toss to coat. Wipe out skillet and repeat with remaining oil, octopus, and tandoori powder.

DO AHEAD: Octopus can be boiled 1 day ahead. Cover and keep chilled.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.