How to Clean Octopus

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Cleaning an octopus is the first step to making exquisite seafood dishes in your own home. Although you can buy pre-cleaned frozen octopus, some fresh octopus is sold without being cleaned. Cleaning an octopus involves removing the internal organs, skin, and beak, leaving the tentacles and body for cooking.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Head

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cut a firm, straight line just below the eyes through the flesh. A sharp knife or kitchen shears work best. [1]
  2. Slice through the head membrane at the base, to create a pocket-type structure with the flesh. Turn the pocket inside out, exposing the entrails and internal organs. Pull all of the innards away using your hands, and cut through any membranes. [2]
    • The internal organs include the stomach sac, which is around the size of an avocado stone, the pipe structure, and many loose membranes. When all of the innards are removed, the head will be empty and look like a hat. [3]
    • You will be left with an empty, pocket type structure. Flip it back the right way around to continue. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. Pinch together the flesh surrounding the eyes, and neatly slice them off. You can use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. [5]
    • The eyes are disposed of in the majority of recipes. However, some people enjoy eating the eyes fried. [6]
  4. Use a knife to make a small incision into the outer membrane. You can then easily peel the skin away using your fingers. [7]
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Removing the Beak

PDF download Download Article
  1. The beak is found amid the start of the tentacles. It is black and looks similar to a bird’s beak.
    • The beak is used by the octopus for predation, and is similar in structure to a fingernail. It is solid, muscular, and inedible; not something you want to find in your dish! [8]
  2. Use a paring knife to make a full circular cut around the beak. This will allow it to pop out cleanly. [9]
  3. Firmly press the soft surrounds of the beak using your thumbs. This will push it through to the other side so that it can be disposed. [10]
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Rinsing

PDF download Download Article
  1. If the head is still attached, begin with it flipped inside out to make sure that any remaining entrails are washed away. Then turn the head back the right way around to rinse off the outside. [11]
    • It can help to have a large bucket in the sink when you are rinsing the octopus, as the process can get slippery.
  2. Run each empty socket under the cold water. This will ensure that any remaining loose pieces are removed. [12]
  3. Hold each tentacle under running water in turn. Pay special attention to the suckers on the tentacles, making sure they are thoroughly washed out with water. [13]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you don’t want to cook your cleaned octopus straight away, freezing it will ensure it keeps best. Frozen octopus is actually helps with the later tenderizing process, making the finished meal less chewy and more delicious. [14]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Fresh octopus should smell slightly salty and of the ocean. If it has a strong, fishy smell, this means that it has started to spoil. [15]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Cook Octopus
      Is Your Fish Good to Eat? Signs of Spoilage & Storage Tips
      How to
      Eat Mussels
      Easy Ways to Store Mussels in the Refrigerator & Freezer
      The Best Methods to Cook Frozen Sea or Bay Scallops
      How to
      Clean/Gut a Fish
      How to
      Cook Smoked Haddock
      How to
      Eat Sea Urchins
      The Best Ways to Cook Catfish
      3 Delicious Ways to Cook Wahoo (Ono)
      How to
      Store Fresh Oysters
      How to
      Cook Fish Roe
      The Best Way to Peel and Eat Boiled Crawfish
      How to
      Poach Fish in Milk
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/pickled-octopus
      2. ↑ https://www.italyum.com/tips/32-octopus-preparation.html
      3. ↑ https://www.italyum.com/tips/32-octopus-preparation.html
      4. ↑ https://www.italyum.com/tips/32-octopus-preparation.html
      5. ↑ https://www.italyum.com/tips/32-octopus-preparation.html
      6. ↑ http://www.fishfiles.com.au/Preparing-seafood/How-to-guides/How-to-prepare-squid-cuttlefish-and-octopus
      7. ↑ http://www.fishfiles.com.au/Preparing-seafood/How-to-guides/How-to-prepare-squid-cuttlefish-and-octopus
      8. ↑ https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/howtofeedagiantoctopus/
      9. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/guide-to-octopus
      1. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/guide-to-octopus
      2. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2004/mar/14/foodanddrink.shopping3
      3. ↑ https://www.italyum.com/tips/32-octopus-preparation.html
      4. ↑ https://www.italyum.com/tips/32-octopus-preparation.html
      5. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/guide-to-octopus
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/ingredient-spotlight-octopus-98259

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 115,152 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Roxanne Latimer

        Feb 11, 2020

        "It prepared me to take on this task, since this is my first time doing this. It also gave me more confidence to ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement