This Keto Braised Octopus is the perfect creepy Halloween dinner! We paired perfectly cooked octopus with pesto Shiritake noodles. This dish is absolutely delicious, as well as keto, low-carb, paleo, grain-free, and gluten-free!
Don't Be Scared of Keto Braised Octopus!
Our Keto Braised Octopus may look frightening making it perfect for Halloween, but it is absolutely delicious!
Octopus is full of several key nutrients, including trace minerals and vitamin B-12.
It is also super easy to prepare and tastes incredible!
If you haven't made it before, it is totally worth giving it a try.
And Halloween is the perfect time, since octopus is extremely creepy looking!
I mean look at those tentacles. This dish looks like a Kraken sea monster from the deep covered with seaweed.
All About Octopus
Octopus is relatively inexpensive and you can buy it at most grocery stores or at an Asian markets.
You will most likely find it in the freezer section and you can buy either one big one or a few smaller ones.
For this recipe, we are using 3 octopus (each being about 5-6 ounces).
The best way to prepare octopus is to braise it in its own juices over low heat. This concentrates their flavor and creates a delicious texture.
The octopus ends up tender and flavorful.
Featured Recipe Video
Check out this video to see how to make our most popular recipe – Keto Zucchini Bread Whoopie Pies.
They are easy to make and so delicious!
How To Prep Octopus
First, thaw the frozen octopus in the fridge for a day or so.
You don't have to cut any part of the octopus. It should be cooked in whole.
We are going to braise our octopus in a flavorful broth so you need a large pot and just a few ingredients:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olives
- Tomato paste
- Bay Leaf
- Oregano
Let's get cooking!
Step #1. Cook Your Octopus
Heat a large pot to low and pour in some avocado oil.
Add in the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes or until softened.
Next, add in olives, tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano, and octopus.
Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
Uncover and cook again for 10 minutes.
Noodles on Keto
You can have noddles on keto - say hello to Shirataki noodles!
Shirataki noodles are long, white noodles made from that come from the root of a konjac plant.
You may also see them called miracle noodles or konjac noodles.
What makes these noodles keto is that they are 97% water and 3% glucomannan fiber. Making them extremely low in net carbs.
The glucomannan fiber also functions as a prebiotic so it nourishes the good bacteria living in your colon.
Shirataki noodles have a similar look and texture to traditional noodles making it the perfect keto noodle replacement!
They come in various shapes and sizes – fettuccine, angel hair, spaghetti, cappelini, and ziti. We used the spinach version for this recipe so the noodles have a greenish tint for Halloween.
Oh, and did we mention these noodles cost about the same as a packet of ramen noodles?! That's right – a package costs less than $3! And they only take 5 minutes to prepare.
Step #2. Prepare the Shirataki Noodles
The Shirataki noodles come packed with water, so transfer them to a strainer and rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Next, lightly boil noodles for 2-3 minutes. But no more than 3 minutes!
Drain the noodles again and then place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and let the heat absorb the excess moisture.
Once the noodles are dry – they are ready to eat!
For this recipe, set the prepared noodles aside and move onto the next step.
Step #3. Make the Pesto
In food processor or blender, pulse together basil, Parmesan, garlic, walnuts, and salt.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil and beat for one minute.
Voila, you have pesto!
Toss the pesto with the prepared noodles to fully coat.
Step #4. Bring The Whole Dish Together
Divide the pesto noodles into three mini cast irons or other bowls.
Place the dishes on top of black pillar taper holders or something else you have that can add height.
Place the octopus gently on top.
Drape some noodles and tentacles over the edges for a dramatic and creepy effect.
More Keto Halloween Recipes
Looking for more chocolate keto recipes? Check out these favorites:
- Halloween Keto Cauliflower “Brain” With Sweet And Spicy Curry Sauce
- Halloween Raven’s Nest Keto Chocolate Cake
- Fire And Brimstone Halloween Keto Soft Pretzels
- Halloween “Spider” Keto Deviled Eggs
- Halloween Keto Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Halloween Keto Cocktail "Rosemary's Baby Style
Recipe
Keto Halloween Braised Octopus with Pesto Shirataki Noodles
Ingredients
For the Pesto
- 1 cup basil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1 1/2 garlic cloves
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Octopus
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/2 red onion chopped
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 sprigs oregano
- 3 octopus each being about 5-6 oz., thawed
- 2 7 oz. Spinach Shirataki angel hair noodles Two, 7 oz packages
Instructions
For the Pesto
- In a food processor or blender, pulse together basil, Parmesan, garlic, walnuts, and salt.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and beat for one minute. Set aside.
For the Octopus
- Heat a large pot to low and add in the avocado oil.
- Add in the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes or until softened.
- Next, add in the olives, tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano, and octopus.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and cook again for 10 minutes.
For the Shirataki Noodles
- Prepare according to manufacturer's instructions (rinse the noodles, boil them for 2 minutes, then place them in dry/non-oiled pan on medium heat for 2 minutes).
To Assemble
- Mix together the pesto and noodles until fully coated.
- Divide the noodles into three mini cast irons or other bowl or dish.
- Place the dishes on top of black pillar taper holders or something else you have that can add height.
- Place the octopus on top.
- Drape some noodles and tentacles over the edges for a dramatic and creepy effect.
Nutrition
We Can't Wait To See You Try It!
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