Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1202 · Pulpo a la Gallega

Pulpo a la Gallega, and where to source it

Pulpo a la Gallega — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Pulpo a la Gallega Spanish 5best2buy.com

Dip the octopus into the boiling water three times before dropping it in fully, which sets the skin so it holds the suckers instead of shedding them.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook1 hr
MakesServes 4
CuisineSpanish
Cost$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  shellfish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Octopus
1 whole
1 whole, about 3 lb
Local / market
Waxy potatoes
4
4
Local / market
Pimenton
1 tbsp
1 tbsp
Local / market
Coarse sea salt
1 tbsp
1 tbsp
Local / market
Olive oil
1/4 cup
1/4 cup
Bay leaf
1
1
Local / market
Onion
1
1
Water
4 qt
4 qt
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryer
The Method
  1. Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil with an onion and bay leaf.15 min
  2. Dip the octopus in and out three times to set the skin, then submerge fully.3 min
  3. Boil until a skewer pierces the thick part easily, then rest in the water.45 min
  4. Boil the potatoes in the same water and slice into rounds on a plate.20 min
  5. Snip the octopus over the potato, dust with pimenton and salt, and pour oil over.5 min
The Toolkit

Large pot · Kitchen scissors · Wooden plates

Straight Answers
Can you make Pulpo a la Gallega in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Pulpo a la Gallega? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Pulpo a la Gallega ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Pulpo a la Gallega gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Pulpo a la Gallega vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1202