Courtesy Javier Plascencia, chef/owner, Finca Altozano, Valle de Guadalupe
This modestly named octopus dish is boiled, grilled, marinated and braised, but the entire process is quite simple and can even be done in stages. Soy sauce, ponzu sauce and saké reflect the culinary contributions of Baja’s Japanese population.
The Chef
Javier Plascencia
Plascencia is perhaps the best-known chef in Baja California, often credited with its emergence as a culinary destination. One of his six restaurants, Finca Altozano is an asador campestre, or country grill. The open-air restaurant is set among vineyards with animals that roam the grounds. It also boasts what may be the most extensive list of Baja wines in the country.
Published: February 21, 2019
Ingredients
Directions
In large stockpot, combine octopus, garlic and bay leaves with enough water to cover octopus by 1 inch. Boil gently, partly covered, for 30 minutes. Add enough salt so broth tastes pleasantly salty.
Boil 20–30 minutes, or until octopus pierces easily with fork. Let cool in pot, then remove octopus and pat dry. This can be done up to 3 days in advance. If so, cover octopus and store in refrigerator.
Prepare grill on high heat, or use grill pan over high heat. Grill octopus until charred but not burnt, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from heat. Slice diagonally into 1-inch pieces.
In large bowl, combine 1¾ cups lemon juice, soy sauce and red pepper flakes. Add octopus, stir to coat and refrigerate for 1–4 hours.
When ready to serve, remove octopus from marinade. Place in large sauté pan with ponzu, saké, remaining lemon juice and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook over medium-high heat until liquid reduces by half. Remove from heat. Add remaining butter, and stir until melted. Serve garnished with cilantro and peanuts. Serves 4.
Pair It
Lechuza 2017 Acero Inoxidable Chardonnay (Valle de Guadalupe). Acero inoxidable is Spanish for stainless steel, and it distinguishes this Chard from Lechuza’s oak-aged “Chardonnay Roble.” It’s a bright, fresh wine with a tropical citrus nose and a subtly creamy texture. The crispness of unoaked Chardonnay is a welcome contrast to the deep flavors of soy, peanuts, and char from the grill.
“I tried Kristin’s wine with this dish, and it was perfect,” says Plascencia. “The combination of citrus and butter in the sauce reflects those flavors in the wine.”
The Winemaker
Kristin Shute
Shute’s parents started to plant what would become Lechuza Vineyard in 2005, not long after a dinner at the pioneering restaurant Laja jumpstarted their love affair with the region. Shute and her husband, Adam, followed in 2013, and they took the reins upon her father’s death two years ago. Shute considers herself an ambassador for both sides of the border and makes the winery available for customized private events.
