Easy Takoyaki Recipe to Try at Home

If you love takoyaki, you can actually make it by your home at home. You just need a takoyaki pan and this takoyaki recipe, you can make your favorite snack in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 eggs

- 2 cups dashi stock (or water with dashi powder)

- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 cup chopped green onions

- 1/4 cup chopped cabbage

- Cooked octopus pieces (small bite-size)

- Oil for cooking

- Takoyaki sauce

- Japanese mayonnaise

- Bonito flakes

- Seaweed flakes

Tools

- Takoyaki pan (round ball mold pan)

- Small sticks or skewers for turning

Instructions

1. First, prepare the batter. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, eggs, soy sauce, salt, and dashi stock. Mix everything until the batter is smooth. The batter should be thin, more like a light pancake batter.

2. Heat your takoyaki pan over medium heat. Brush each hole with oil to prevent the batter from sticking. Make sure the oil covers the surface well, because this helps the takoyaki turn more easily later.

3. Pour the batter into each hole until they are almost full. Do not worry if the batter spills out a little, because you will push it back in when shaping the takoyaki.

4. Add one piece of cooked octopus into each hole. Then add a small amount of chopped cabbage and green onions.

5. Once the batter begins to cook on the bottom, use a skewer to turn each piece. Start by lifting the edge and flipping it halfway. The batter will slowly form a round shape as it cooks. Continue turning them gently so that every side becomes golden and crispy.

6. Keep rolling the takoyaki until the outside becomes firm and lightly browned. This may take a few minutes, so keep turning them little by little.

7. When the takoyaki balls are ready, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate.

8. Drizzle takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise on top. Then sprinkle bonito flakes and seaweed flakes to finish.

Before trying these helpful tips, remember that each takoyaki recipe becomes easier with practice. These practical tips will help you cook takoyaki more smoothly and improve the texture and flavor.

1. Heat the takoyaki pan evenly before you start so the batter cooks at the same speed.

2. Add a little extra oil while cooking if the balls feel hard to turn. A slippery surface helps them form a perfect shape.

3. Pour more batter than the hole can hold. The extra batter helps the takoyaki form a rounder shape when pushed in.

4. Turn the takoyaki slowly at first, then faster once the shape starts to form.

5. Use two skewers instead of one if you find it hard to turn the balls with a single stick.

6. Add the octopus after the batter settles slightly to keep the filling in the center.

7. If you want softer takoyaki, add a little more water or dashi to the batter to make it thinner.

8. If you want a crispier outside, cook the takoyaki a little longer while still turning them.

9. Clean the pan while it is still warm so leftover batter comes off easily.

A classic takoyaki recipe uses octopus as the main filling. However, some people cannot find octopus easily, and others simply want to try new flavors. Here are several delicious fillings you can use to create your own style of takoyaki.

1. Shrimp – A soft seafood choice that becomes tender and flavorful inside each takoyaki ball.

2. Crab sticks – Mild, slightly sweet, and easy to use for quick and tasty takoyaki.

3. Cheese – Melts into a creamy center that adds richness and extra comfort to every bite.

4. Sausage – A salty, satisfying filling that brings a familiar taste and firm texture.

5. Tuna – Combines perfectly with mayonnaise to create a soft, savory, and flavorful filling.

6. Chicken – Small cooked pieces offer a simple, mild flavor that works well with the batter.

7. Squid – A chewy seafood alternative that gives a pleasant texture and gentle ocean flavor.

8. Mushrooms – Soft, earthy, and great for adding natural umami to your homemade takoyaki.

9. Corn – Sweet, juicy kernels that add gentle crunch and a bright pop of flavor.

10. Kimchi – A spicy, tangy filling that brings bold flavor and a little extra heat.

11. Bacon – Smoky, savory pieces that add strong flavor and a crisp texture to the center.

12. Tofu – A light, soft filling that absorbs flavors well and keeps the takoyaki mild.

13. Shredded vegetables – Adds freshness, light texture, and gentle flavor for a healthier takoyaki option.

14. Fish cake – A traditional, chewy ingredient that blends well with the creamy takoyaki batter.

15. Tempura scraps – Crunchy bits that add texture and make each bite more fun and crispy.