Delicious grilled octopus served elegantly on a textured white plate.

Recipes · Shellfish & Seafood

Polvo à lagareiro

Join the joy of cooking Polvo à lagareiro and celebrate life with family and delicious flavors.

⏱ Prep 20 min🔥 Cook 25 min👥 Serves 4📍 LisboaEasy

June 23, 2026

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On a lively Sunday afternoon at a cozy tasca in Lisbon, the scent of garlic and olive oil fills the air, blending seamlessly with the laughter and chatter of families enjoying their time together. Amongst plates of grilled sardines and steaming caldo verde, you'll find Polvo à lagareiro, an octopus dish that has a special place in the hearts of many. This recipe, often prepared for festive occasions or family gatherings, highlights the beautiful simplicity of Portuguese flavors.

Outdoor cooking with lemon slices and olive oil in a stainless steel tray on a grill.

Making Polvo à lagareiro is a joyful team effort, with everyone pitching in to help out. The octopus is tenderized and then roasted just right, generously drizzled with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Served with hearty potatoes, this dish invites you to truly enjoy the essence of Portuguese cuisine, where each ingredient tells its own story. Pair it with a glass of vinho verde and a good laugh, and you'll see how food is a wonderful celebration of life in Portugal.

Ingredients · 4 servings

  • 1 kg octopus
  • 4 large potatoes
  • 150 ml extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the octopus and cook for 20 minutes until tender.
  3. Remove the octopus and let it cool slightly, then cut into pieces.
  4. In the same pot, add the potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
  5. Drain the potatoes, peel, and cut into thick slices.
  6. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  7. Add the octopus pieces and potatoes to the skillet, tossing to coat in the oil and garlic.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and season with salt before serving.

🪄 For a different twist, try adding some fresh lemon juice right before serving for a zesty kick.

Photo by Paolo Bici on Pexels

Photo by Alexey Demidov on Pexels

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