Yummy Hot Dog Octopus Recipe

Are you planning to host children’s parties, picnics, or other occasions to delight your guests with a unique recipe? The recipe I am going to share today is called Hot Dog Octopus.

As the name suggests, this recipe has hot dogs as a main ingredient. The octopus in the name comes from the way a hot dog is shaped to make it look like an octopus.

The name is unique, as is the taste and cooking method. The best thing about the hot dog octopus is that it requires just a few ingredients and takes just a little time to get ready.

So, let me share with you the step-by-step instructions, variations, and serving suggestions. And, towards the end of the article, I will also share some FAQs.

How to make a hot dog octopus?

To make Hot Dog Octopus, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Hot dogs (any brand or type)
• Water (for boiling)
• Cooking oil (if frying)
• Garnishes (optional):
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Olives
  • Cheese
  • Seaweed strips (nori)

Equipment

You’ll also need the following kitchen tools:

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Paper towels (for draining)
• Pot (for boiling)
• Frying pan (if frying)
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Plate for serving

Instructions

1. Preparing the Hot Dogs

You can choose any of your favourite hot dog types, including pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian hot dogs.

Once you have decided on your preferred hot dog, follow these instructions to make the recipe.

Cutting the hot dogs:

• First, start by placing the hot dog on a cutting board
• Cutting requires a little attention. First, cut the hot dog in half lengthwise.
• You have to stop about two-thirds of the way up so that the top is left intact.
• And now turn the hot dog 90 degrees and cut another side the same way to create four legs for the octopus.
• If you wish, you can cut more sides to add some extra legs. But 4 is preferred.

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Shaping the Legs:

To make it resemble an octopus, shaping is necessary. To do this, separate the four legs, adding some space between them.

To make it more appealing and realistic, you can curl the ends of the legs a little.

2. Cooking the Hot Dog Octopus

There are two main ways to make the hot dog octopus recipe: boiling and frying. Both methods are simple and quick.

First, we will see the boiling method:

Boiling method:

• Take a pot and fill it with water. You have to boil this water
• Once the water starts boiling, place the prepared hot dogs into the boiling water
• You have to cook this for 2 to 3 minutes so that hot dogs are heated well and the legs curl up
• Now remove the hot dogs from the boiling water using tongs
• Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain

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Frying Method:

• Take a frying pan and heat a small quantity of cooking oil
• On a medium flame, place the prepared hot dogs in the pan
• Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the hot dogs are golden brown
• You have to fry them until the legs are crispy
• In the end, with the help of tongs, transfer the hot dogs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil

3. Garnishing and Serving

It’s time to add some fun elements to your recipe. Now turn your hot dog into an octopus. Make eyes, mouths, and tentacles.

• To make the eyes, you can use small pieces of olives, cheese, or seaweed strips. Using a small dab of mayonnaise, you can stick the eyes.
• Now to make the mouth of the octopus, you can use a small slice of red bell pepper or a dot of ketchup.
• You can use lettuce, mashed potatoes, or pasta to make the bed for the serving and place your hot dogs. Enjoy the recipe with dipping sauces like ketchup or mustard.

Nutritional Information

Here is the approximate nutritional value of the octopus hot dogs. The values can change based on the the type of hot dogs and the ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 per hot dog
• Protein: 6-10 grams
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams
• Sodium: 400-600 mg

Variations

You can be a little more creative with your hot dog octopus recipe to bring some variations. This way you will have extra options to enjoy the recipe.

Here are some ideas to play around the recipe:

1. Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dog Octopus:

You can use extra cheese to stuff the hot dogs. Make sure to stuff the cheese before cutting the hot dogs and cooking.

Slit the hot dogs lengthwise before cutting the legs

Insert a small strip of cheese

Now cut the legs and continue as described earlier in the instructions above

2. Spicy Hot Dog Octopus

Here is another variation and we will add some extra kick by adding some spices

• For the heat, you can use spicy hot dogs or sausages.
• Now before cooking the hot dogs, you can use a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper on the legs
• You can enjoy them with sriracha mayo or spicy mustard sauces

3. Vegetarian Hot Dog Octopus

For a vegetarian version, use plant-based hot dogs:

• Follow the same cutting and cooking instructions.
• Garnish with your favourite vegetarian toppings.

Final Thought

Hot dog octopus is the best fit for parties or for your snacks. The recipe is easy to make and requires just hot dogs as the main ingredient.

You can play around with the recipe by adding a little innovation. It is famous for its unique octopus appearance and is particularly famous among kids.

In case you are making the recipe for the kids, make sure to cut smaller pieces to avoid choking. It is a good practice to use fresh hot dogs for the real flavour, and fun.

I am sure, you like the hot dog octopus recipe. Do let me in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)