Cute Octopus Sausage Bento Recipe

OMG, I’m totally obsessed with this adorable octopus bento! It’s like a masterpiece of cuteness and flavor, plus it’s so Instagram-worthy with those kawaii little sausage octopuses and vibrant veggies. 🌟🧡

I delight in concocting whimsical and healthful lunch choices, and my Cute Octopus Sausage Bento is a sweet diversion that serves just as well for adults as it does for children. Too cute to eat?

Not when you’re as hungry as I was when I first tasted the impossible-to-make-a-mistake flavor medley of the individual components. To be fair, few dishes could rival the rhapsody of flavor I experienced when I first sampled these delectable mini sausages, which had been transformed into octopus shapes, and accompanied by perfectly cooked rice mixed with vibrant vegetables.

The feast was made all the more delectable thanks to the fresh cherry tomatoes and spears of broccoli that hung out with the…well, let’s just say the “mini-me” octopi.

Cute Octopus Sausage Bento Recipe Ingredients

• Mini Sausages: Rich in protein, adds savory flavor and fun shape.
• Cooked Rice: Provides carbohydrates for energy, staple base for bento.
• Nori: Adds umami, rich in minerals and vitamins A, C.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances umami, provides depth and saltiness.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy, adds a hint of color.
• Broccoli: High in fiber and vitamins C, K, adds color and crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, boosts vitamin C, and adds vibrant color.
• Boiled Egg: Adds protein, creamy texture, and richness to the meal.

Cute Octopus Sausage Bento Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 mini sausages (cocktail sausages or frankfurters)
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ketchup
• 1 small broccoli floret
• 2 cherry tomatoes
• 1 egg (boiled)
• 2 slices cheese (optional, for decoration)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Cute Octopus Sausage Bento Recipe

1. Simmer the small sausages in water for about 2-3 minutes, just to heat them through. Then, drain and let them cool.

2. Cut each sausage in half lengthwise, then in half again, to create the octopus “legs” in the bottom half.

3. In a tiny bowl, blend the soy sauce and the ketchup. Use this blend to baste the sausage “heads” for extra flavor.

4. Utilize a sharp knife or pair of scissors to snip out small circles or any other kind of shape you want from the nori to make eyes for your octopus. These will be attached with a dab of good ol’ ketchup.

5. Form the cooked rice into small balls or shapes using your hands or a rice shaper. You can also shape them into fun forms like stars or hearts.

6. Boil water in a small saucepan and when it reaches a roaring boil, add a small broccoli floret. If the floret is accompanied by a stalk, make sure to place the stalk in the water first, since it takes longer to cook. Count to 30 and then rapidly transfer the cooked floret(s) to a bowl of very cold water held at hand. This technique helps to pre-cook the broccoli if you plan to char it in a hot pan later. It will also retain the color (green), since you are stopping the cooking process.

7. Slice the boiled egg and the cherry tomatoes in half.

8. Set the rice, sausages, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and hard-boiled egg in a bento box or on a plate. Present it so it looks cute.

9. With a small cutter, cut shapes from the cheese slices and place them on top of the rice or other components for decoration.

10. If you would like, you can sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the rice or vegetables for garnish. Enjoy your cute octopus bento!

Cute Octopus Sausage Bento Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Colander or strainer
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Small bowl
6. Scissors
7. Rice shaper or hands for shaping rice
8. Large bowl for cold water
9. Small saucepan or pot for boiling
10. Spoon or small basting brush
11. Bento box or serving plate
12. Small cutter for cheese shapes

FAQ

• How do you make the sausages look like octopuses?Cut each mini sausage in half lengthwise, leaving about 1-inch intact at the top. Next, cut each half again to create the “legs.” Fry gently until curled.
• Can I use a different type of sausage?You can absolutely use any variety of mini sausage, or you can cut larger sausages into smaller pieces, if you prefer. Just be sure that they’re fully cooked, as with any kind of pork product, and you’re good to go.
• How do I cut the nori for decoration?Take small scissors or a craft punch and cut out eyes and mouths for your octopus sausages from the nori. Use small bits of nori to add facial decor to your evening bento. You can also use small nori pieces in the other bento components for decoration.
• What is the best way to pack the bento box?Begin with rice as a foundation; next, place the octopus sausages, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and sliced eggs about the dish for a good balance of nutrients and variety. And use cheese slices to decorate their faces or come up with other adorable shapes that necessitate cheese.
• How long can I keep the bento box before eating?It is most enjoyable a few hours after assembly, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Allow it to reach room temperature before consumption.
• Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?Of course, you can always increase the quantity of vegetables like carrot slices or cucumber, or tailor it to your taste and the number of servings you want.

Cute Octopus Sausage Bento Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Mini sausages: For a vegetarian version, replace with tofu dogs or any plant-based sausage.
Nori: If nori is not available, use spinach tortillas or lettuce leaves to wrap.
Broccoli flower heads: substitute small-sized pieces of bell peppers or asparagus tips for variation.
Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced red peppers for a different texture.
Egg, boiled: For a vegan alternative, use quartered avocado or fried tofu slices.

Pro Tips

1. Rice Texture For perfectly sticky rice that holds its shape, use short-grain or sushi rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking, which prevents it from becoming too sticky or mushy.

2. Flavor Enhancement To add more depth to your rice, consider mixing a bit of seasoned rice vinegar into the cooked rice before shaping. This adds a subtle tang and extra flavor, often found in sushi rice.

3. Nori Crafting Use small, detailed cutters or tweezers to work with nori. This can make it easier to create intricate shapes or place small pieces, such as eyes, without tearing.

4. Egg Perfection For evenly sliced boiled eggs without a crumbly yolk, use an egg slicer or a sharp knife. To prevent sticking, rinse the knife in hot water before each slice.

5. Vegetable Prep To ensure the broccoli remains vibrant and flavorful in the bento, quickly sauté it in a touch of sesame oil after blanching. This adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish and enhances its appeal.