What is Takoyaki?
Takoyaki ("grilled octopus") is one of Japan's most famous street foods—a crispy & gooey dough ball containing diced octopus, tempura, green onions, and pickled ginger. Originating in Osaka, Japan, it can be found in Japanese festival stands, convenience stores, restaurants, and even specialty restaurants only selling Takoyaki!
What does it taste like?
Takoyaki is immediately served after coming off of the pan and garnishing, it is challenging to balance between trying the piping-hot deliciousness and waiting to avoid burning your mouth!
The batter is slightly crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and chewy from the octopus bits perfectly balance it all. When you bite into them, there is an explosion of umami along with tasting the sweet and tangy garnishes on top. Not to mention the textures and rich profiles from the sauce, green onions, and bonito flakes!
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 oz. Takoyaki Flour
- 12 fl oz. water (360mL)
- 4 oz. Cooked Octopus, diced
- 30g Green Onion
- 5g Pickled Ginger
- 20g Tenkasu, tempura crisps
- Takoyaki Sauce
- Kewpie Mayo
- Bonito Flakes
- Seaweed Flakes
- Takoyaki Pan
Steps:
1. To make the batter: Mix the flour, water, and eggs in a large bowl.2. To make the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the green onions, pickled ginger, and tenkasu together.
3. Heat the takoyaki pan to medium-high, around 400F. Oil the pan using a brush or paper towel dipped in oil.
4. Whisk the batter again before pouring in the holes halfway. Add in the octopus and filling. Pour the batter on top up to the brim, overflowing is encouraged.
5. After a couple of minutes or until the bottom is cooked, flip the ball 90 degrees, a quarter turn, using a skewer or toothpick. They need more time to crisp up if they are difficult to move. Stuff the overflow batter back into the well to form a ball shape. Wait a few more minutes and repeat.
6. Keep flipping until the ball is golden brown.
7. Place the cooked takoyaki ball in a paper boat or plate. Drizzle Kewpie mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce to your liking. Sprinkle some bonito and seaweed flakes to top it off. Serve and enjoy!
We recommend using these products below to make the perfect, umami-rich takoyaki!
