Oceans of Fun Bento

Getting ready to take a family vacation to the beach? Kickstart the kiddos' enthusiasm by serving them an ocean-themed lunch. It's a good way to sneak in some spinach (seaweed) to boot. Get creative with the rest of the bento by using baked fish crackers, grapes for sea pebbles, seaweed chips, all things ocean related cookie cutters including fish, turtle, shark, star for starfish, lobster, etc. for other items to go in the box. Don't forget that special sweet treat. I used gummy octopus but Swedish fish and gummy worms would work well too.

Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
3 mins
Total Time:
28 mins
Servings:
1
Yield:
1 bento box
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 1 servings

  • ½ hot dog

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 (3 ounce) package ramen noodles

  • 6 cauliflower florets

  • ¼ cup chopped baby spinach

Directions

  1. Place hot dog half on a flat work surface. Cut a slit from the bottom to within 1 inch of the top. Turn the hot dog half 90 degrees to the uncut side and repeat. Cut each of 4 "legs" halfway down the middle to make 8 octopus "legs".

  2. Bring a small pot of water to a boil; add hot dog octopus. Cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain.

  3. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in the same pot. Add ramen noodles and cauliflower; cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in ramen seasoning until dissolved. Remove from heat; add spinach. Let stand until spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.

  4. Assemble bento box with ramen noodle mixture and octopus hot dog.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

152 Calories
9g Fat
13g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Calories 152
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 597mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 6g 11%
Vitamin C 38mg 43%
Calcium 47mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 336mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.