Crispy marinated baby octopus

Ingredients

For 6 servings

• 2 kg / 4 lb baby octopus (, rinsed (Note 1))
• 4 litres / quarts water
• 1 onion (, halved, skin on)
• 6 garlic cloves (, smashed (Note 2))
• 1 tsp black peppercorns ((sub 1/2 tsp ground pepper))
• 2 tsp cooking salt (kosher salt)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice ((or apple cider vinegar))
• 3 parsley stems ((with leaves))
• 2 bay leaves (, fresh or dried)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves (, very finely minced (or use garlic press))
• 2 tsp lemon zest ((one large lemon))
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried red chilli flakes ((red pepper flakes), optional)
• 1/2 tsp each cooking/kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp canola oil ((for BBQ or large skillet))
• 2 tsp parsley (, finely chopped (optional))
• 1 large red chilli (, finely sliced (optional))
• Lemon wedges ((highly recommended))