Aneightarmedsaltwatermolluskwhosetentaclesareequippedwithsuckersandhasfirmanddelicatelyflavoredwhite meat. Octopus is popular in Italian, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese and Oriental cuisines. More octopus is eaten in Japan than in any other country. The tough fresh of large octopuses must be pounded before it is cooked, though slow cooking over low heat also serves to tenderize. Octopus can be grilled, poached, sautéed, fried or steamed. It is delicious and it goes well with garlic, tomatoes, lemon, fennel, ginger, wine and soy sauce.