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Fijian Octopus in Coconut (Kuita)

Name: Fijian Octopus in Coconut (Kuita)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 cups coconut cream; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1-2 green chilies, sliced; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1 tbsp oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Fijian octopus in coconut recipe (kuita) — tender octopus braised low and slow in coconut cream with onion, garlic, and a hint of chili, pure island comfort.

⏱ 15 minPrep time

🔥 30 minCook time

🍽 4Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Kuita, or octopus, has been harvested from Fijian reefs for generations, and cooking it in coconut cream is the traditional way to make the tough meat tender. Reef walks at low tide still supply many village kitchens, and kuita in coconut is a prized dish at family gatherings and church feasts.

What makes it great: the long, gentle simmer does the magic — the octopus relaxes into fork-tender pieces while the coconut cream reduces into a thick, savory sauce that begs to be soaked up with dalo or roti. Simple, humble, and utterly satisfying.

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Step by stepInstructions

Heat the oil in a heavy pot and saute the onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down, about 3 minutes.
Add the octopus and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes until it releases its juices and tightens up.
Pour in the coconut cream, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook over low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the octopus is tender and the sauce is thick.
Stir in the lemon juice and serve hot with rice or taro.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Octopus can be tough, so patience is key — simmer gently until a fork pierces it easily. If you have time, simmer a little longer; the sauce only gets better.

Recipe details

Prep15 min

Cook30 min

Servings4

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Fijian Octopus in Coconut (Kuita)

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

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Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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Fijian Octopus in Coconut (Kuita)

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

Rate this recipe

Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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