Pulpo Encebollado Tacos Recipe

Name: Pulpo Encebollado Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 1 1/2 -pound octopuses, cleaned; 1 white onion, halved; 1 bay leaf; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 red onion, thickly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 dried chiles de arbol, cut into rounds; Salt and freshly ground pepper; Corn tortillas, warmed, for serving; Fresh cilantro and diced white onion, for topping; Lime wedges, for serving

Servings: persons

2 1 1/2 -pound octopuses, cleaned
1 white onion, halved
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 red onion, thickly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 dried chiles de arbol, cut into rounds
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Corn tortillas, warmed, for serving
Fresh cilantro and diced white onion, for topping
Lime wedges, for serving

1
Fill a large pot with water; add the octopuses, white onion halves and bay leaf.
2
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
3
Simmer until the octopuses are very tender, about 2 hours.
4
Drain, discarding the onion and bay leaf.
5
Let the octopuses cool; cut into small pieces.
6
Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
7
Add the red onion and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 6 minutes.
8
Add the garlic and chiles and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 more minutes.
9
Add the octopuses and saute until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
10
Season with salt and pepper.
11
Serve in tortillas; top with cilantro and diced white onion.
12
Serve with lime wedges.
13
Photograph by Dave Lauridsen

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 1 1/2 -pound octopuses, cleaned, 1 white onion, halved, 1 bay leaf, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, and more.

Yes, Pulpo Encebollado Tacos falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pulpo Encebollado Tacos

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions