Octopus-Shaped Hot Dogs

A recipe for Octopus-Shaped Hot Dogs from the cookbook, Japanese Cooking with Kids! Lengthwise slices are cut into mini or standard hot dogs to form a shape similar to an octopus.

Course Main

Cuisine Japanese

Keyword hot dog, Japan, Japanese, meat, octopus

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients

3 mini hot dogs (cocktail franks) or 1 regular-size hot dog cut across the short dimension
Ketchup for dipping, optional

Instructions

For mini hot dogs:

Cut just below the tip (head) straight to the bottom lengthwise.
Rotate 90 degrees and make another lengthwise cut through the halves to make 4 arms. You can stop here, or carefully cut each arm in half lengthwise to make 8 arms.

For a regular-size hot dog:

Cut it in half (cross-wise) first.
Then, follow the directions listed above for making the arms. (Use both halves to make 2 octopuses!)

To cook:

Fill a saucepan with water.
Bring the water to a boil.
Add the prepared hot dogs. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes, or until the arms curl.
Alternatively, stir-fry in a skillet with a little oil.
Remove the "octopuses" with a slotted spoon.
To eat, dip them into ketchup, if using.