Takoyaki is a beloved Japanese street snack made of tender, savory octopus-filled balls of batter, cooked to golden perfection in a special pan. Originating in Osaka, this dish is a must-try for food lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups dashi (Japanese soup stock)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- Cooked octopus, diced
- Green onions, finely chopped
- Pickled ginger (beni shoga), finely chopped
- Tempura scraps (tenkasu)
- Takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise
- Bonito flakes and seaweed powder (aonori) for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: Whisk together flour, dashi, eggs, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Heat the Takoyaki Pan: Brush oil into each compartment of a takoyaki pan and heat it over medium-high heat.
- Fill the Molds: Pour batter into the pan, filling each compartment. Add a piece of octopus, green onions, ginger, and tempura scraps into each one.
- Cook the Takoyaki: As the batter sets, use a skewer to turn each piece 90 degrees. Continue cooking and rotating until the balls are golden and fully cooked.
- Serve: Drizzle with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise. Sprinkle with bonito flakes and aonori for a classic finish.
Takoyaki is a delightful treat to enjoy with friends, whether at home or on a street corner in Japan. Perfect your flipping technique for the authentic takoyaki experience!