How to Freeze Octopus

Octopus adds sweet flavor and texture to seafood dishes from around the world. Although octopi appear tough to eat due to their rough skin, octopus flesh is chewy and savory. Purchase whole clean octopus or octopus legs from a local seafood or cultural store and freeze octopus at home in the freezer. Wrap the octopus tight to protect the octopus from freezer burn. This way, you can enjoy the octopus in flavorful seafood stews and cocktails during the spring and summer months. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Lay the sheet of plastic wrap flat over a clean surface. Remove any folds present on the surface of the plastic wrap to prevent air bubbles, and set the octopus 3 inches above the lower right corner of the plastic sheet. If wrapping octopus legs, place the legs on separate plastic wrap sheets individually.

Tightly fold the right corner of the plastic sheet over the octopus or legs with both hands. Slowly wrap the octopus with the plastic wrap by rolling the octopus to the center of the plastic sheet. Upon reaching the center, fold the top and bottom ends of the plastic wrap in to seal the top and bottom sides.

Continue wrapping the octopus with the plastic wrap until completed. Place the wrapped octopus or legs inside of the zip-top freezer bag.

Run both hands gently over the exterior surface of the bag to remove air inside the bag. Seal the top of the zip-top bag and place the bag in your freezer. Store the octopus in the freezer for up two months.

Tips

- Thaw your octopus in the refrigerator. If it has a foul odor, discard it.