How to Make a Hot Dog Octopus

Last Updated: December 23, 2021 Approved

If you need new ideas of what to put in a child's bento or lunch box, this unique hot dog treat takes just a few minutes. With only a few minutes and a big imagination, these lunch time sea creatures can definitely make your lunch different from any other. This wikiHow article will show you how you can make your own hot dog octopus!

Steps

1
Cut a hot dog in half. You can use any kind of hot dog you like! Hot Dog Octopuses are often made with Japanese Pork Sausages because they are 3 inches in length.
- You can also use beef hot dogs or any other type of sausage, so long as you cut them in half.^{[1]
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2
Turn one half on its flat side. From about an inch (2.54 cm) from the top, cut a slit all the way through to the bottom. This would make 2 legs.^{[2]
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3
Turn the hot dog 90 degrees to the uncut side and repeat. This would make 4 legs so far.^{[3]
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4
Hold 3 legs up and look "inside". You are going to cut the "ridge" of the 4th leg, matching the length of the cuts. One of these slits are going to make 2 legs. Repeat for the 3 other legs to make 8 legs total.^{[4]
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5
Boil the hot dogs. Be aware that the legs will curl up in the process, so be sure that there's enough room in the pot.^{[5]
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6
Drain them using a slotted spoon. Make sure the hot dogs are as dry as possible before serving.
- You may want to pat the hot dog octopuses dry with a paper towel or cloth.
7
Cool and enjoy. You can serve your hot dog octopus over rice, over a bed of mixed vegetables, or over noodles! Feel free to get creative.
- For even more fun, add eyes to your octopus with sesame seeds.
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Community Q&A

Question

How long should I boil the hot dogs?

Community Answer

You should boil them until the legs curl up, which will probably take 5-10 minutes.
Question

How can I make faces for my octo dogs?

Community Answer

You could use food colorings and/or use a knife to cut faces in the "octopus head."
Question

Will this work with vegan hot dogs?

Community Answer

Yes, it will.