How to Make the Best Marinade for BBQ Octopus

The Ultimate Adobo for Grilled Octopus: Authentic Recipe

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-814-GAS
Published in 09-19-2025

Grilled octopus, also known as zarandeado octopus, is one of those recipes that wins hearts with its smoky flavor and tender texture. The secret of this dish is not only in the cooking, but also in the marinade or sauce that accompanies it. Preparing a balanced mix of spices, chilies, and citrus can make the difference between an ordinary dish and a memorable one.

Basic ingredients for the marinade
1- Dried chilies: Usually 3 guajillo chilies, 1 ancho or pasilla chili, previously soaked in hot water.
2- Garlic and onion: They add depth of flavor and a slightly sweet touch when roasted. In this case, 2 garlic cloves and a quarter of an onion.
3- Citrus: The juice of one lime or bitter orange helps tenderize the octopus and adds freshness.
4- Spices: Cumin, oregano, and black pepper are the most traditional, all to taste.
5- Oils and sauces: They give the marinade a better texture and help it stick to the octopus. In this case, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of Maggi sauce, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 tablespoon of mustard.

Authentic Mexican Adobo for Zarandeado-Style Octopus

Photo: remcoosculiflowers-5289653
Step by step to prepare the marinade
a) Soak the dried chilies and blend them together with the garlic, onion, spices, and citrus juice, either orange or lime. Also remember to add the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Maggi sauce, butter, and mustard, all into the blender.
b) Marinate the octopus with this sauce at least one hour before placing it on the grill. You can brush the octopus with the marinade or submerge it in a container so it is completely covered.

Photo: Aliona Gumeniuk

With this, your octopus is ready to go on the grill. Remember that this marinade also works perfectly for fish or zarandeado shrimp.

Additional tips
If you want a more intense flavor, add a touch of chile de árbol.
For a fresher version, add herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end.
The marinade can also be used as a dipping sauce after grilling the octopus.

Zarandeado octopus with marinade is a delicacy that combines tradition and creativity. For more references to traditional Mexican recipes, you can visit México en mi cocina.