Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (2024)

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Enjoy this quick and easy takoyaki recipe you can cook in minutes with just one chopstick. Made with a takoyaki pan and topped with homemade takoyaki sauce, kewpie mayonnaise, aonori and katsuobushi.

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (1)

Why We Love This Takoyaki Recipe

Crispy golden takoyaki taste amazing when prepared with traditional ingredients and toppings. But they’re also super easy to tweak to your preferences. If you don’t like octopus, you can substitute with your favourite proteins, or experiment with sweet ingredients for something completely different!

It’s also a fun way it’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen and try your hand at mastering the takoyaki cooking technique.

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (2)

What is Takoyaki?

Takoyaki is one ofthe most popular street snacksin Japan, aside from yakisoba noodles and onigiri rice balls. Little roadside stalls can be found everywhere, ready to serve up a batch of takoyaki when you need it most.But for the freshest, tastiest takoyaki, the best thing to do is to make it yourself.

Where We Learned This Recipe

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (3)

We learntthisQuick and EasyTakoyaki recipe while staying in a coolsurfie-style guesthousein Hyuga, Japan. (It’s also where we first discovered Chicken Nanban too!) Our wonderfulhost Masa-san and his lovely wife were keen to share their recipe. Even better, they showed us their handytechnique to make takoyaki using just one chopstick.

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (4)

What are the main Takoyaki Ingredients?

  • Batter: It’s is a surprisingly simple mix of plain flour with a hint of dashi stockQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (5). But according to Masa-san, the secret to that golden crispy crunch is to add cornstarch to the mixture.
  • Fillings: Traditional takoyaki ingredients include octopus (the ‘tako’ in takoyaki), spring onion, red pickled ginger (beni shoga) and tenkasuQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (6) (crispy fried tempura batter)..
Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (7)

How to Make Takoyaki

  • Slice the octopus (or chicken, if substituting) into bite-size pieces then pop aside.
  • Combine the plain flour and cornflour in a bowl, then in a separate bowl whisk the egg. Add the egg to the dry mixture, then slowly pour in the dashi stock or water and whisk it all together. You’re aiming for a thin, runny consistency here, so if it’s too thick just add more water or dashi.
  • Now, heat the takoyaki pan over a medium high heat and brush oil over the entire surface. Pour the batter into the centre of the pan and keep pouring until all the wells are full and the batter covers the entire plate.
Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (8)
  • Place one piece of octopus or chicken into each well, then scatter the spring onion, ginger and tempura crumbs across the lot. When the bottom of the batter starts turning crispy, use a chopstick to cut out a square shape around each takoyaki well.
  • Next comes Masa’s fancy technique. Move your chopstick in an ‘L’ shape around the each well, then immediately push down into the well to flip the batter, forming a rough ball shape as you go. It might take a few tries, but keep going and you’ll quickly get the hang of it.
  • Continue flipping each ball occasionally as the batter becomes crispy and golden brown on all sides. The easiest way to do this is to pierce the takoyaki ball with the chopstick and pull upwards to flip. A few more rotations and your batch of takoyaki will be glorious, crispy and golden.
  • Pop your cooked takoyaki onto serving platters and top with your favourite topping combinations (see topping inpso in the next section). Feel free to experiment and let us know how you go!

Takoyaki Recipe Topping Combinations

  • Traditional: Japanese BBQ sauceQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (9), or takoyaki sauce+Kewpie mayonnaiseQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (11)+aonori seaweed flakesQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (12)+bonito flakesQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (13)
  • Intriguing: Japanese curry powder+Kewpie mayonnaiseQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (15) +parmesan cheese
  • Hyuga Style:Kewpie mayonnaiseQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (16)+aonori seaweed flakesQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (17)+ salt
  • Wandercooks Style:Japanese Matcha Green Tea Salt
  • Cheesy Goodness: Yep – cheese! Sprinkle on top and broil for a couple of minutes until melty and delicious.

Which takoyaki ingredients do you love? What’s your favourite combo?

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (18)

Wandercooks’ Tips

  • For a crunchier texture and deep golden colour, add extra oil while flipping the takoyaki.
  • Japanese ingredients such as dashi stockQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (19), aonori flakesQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (20), bonito flakesQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (21), tenkasuQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (22) and takoyaki sauceQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (23) can be found at your local Asian grocery store or online via Amazon.
  • You can easily make tenkasu (crispy tempura crumbs) at home, simply splatter some tempura batter in hot oil and cook until crispy. Remove from the oil and allow to drain on paper towel.

FAQs

Why are my takoyaki moving?

If you top your takoyaki with katsuobushi (aka bonito flakes – thinly shaved dried fish) – you’ll find that it reacts with the heat from the fresh takoyaki which makes the bonito ‘dance’ on top of your takoyaki as it begins to absorb moisture. Cool huh!

What do I need to make takoyaki at home?

To make takoyaki at home you’ll need aproper takoyaki plate. They come in all shapes and sizes, like this cast iron takoyaki plateQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (24) and this electric takoyaki panQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (25), but the well shape is essential when cooking.You’ll also need a takoyaki pickQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (26) or chopstick to flick the takoyaki into shape while grilling.

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (27)

Variations & Substitutions

  • If you don’t like octopus, feel free to substitute your own favourite fillings. How about crispy fried bacon pieces, prawns, chicken, tofu or cheese?
  • If you don’t have takoyaki pan, why not make this into a giant takoyaki pancake with a regular frying pan.
  • For something completely different, ditch the savoury ingredients and go for a sweet version! Why not try adding chocolate for ‘chokoyaki’! Jams or other sweet ingredients would also work well. You might like to replace the dashi in the batter with water. Our favourite dessert is making poffertjes in the takoyaki pan afterwards!

Have you made these popular Japanese recipes?

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (28)
Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (29)
Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (30)
Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (31)

★ Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below!

Quick & Easy Takoyaki Recipe

A quick and easy takoyaki recipe you can cook in minutes with just one chopstick. Make at home using five secret topping combinations. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed full of flavour.

4.92 from 34 votes

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Japanese

Servings: 30 takoyaki balls

Calories: 30kcal

Author: Wandercooks

Cost: $10

Ingredients

For the batter

For the toppings

  • Takoyaki Sauce or okonomiyaki sauce
  • kewpie mayonnaise we recommend kewpie mayo for the most traditional flavour
  • seaweed flakes / aonori dried green seaweed powder
  • bonito flakes / katsuobushi dried bonito flakes
  • Salt
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Curry powder
  • Cheese

MetricUS Customary

Instructions

  • Slice the octopus (or other protein, if substituting) into bite-size pieces then pop aside.

    100-140 g octopus pieces

  • Combine the plain flour and cornstarch in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Add the egg to the dry mixture, then slowly pour in the dashi stock or water and whisk it all together. You're aiming for a thin, runny consistency here, so if it's too thick just add more water or dashi.

    140 g plain flour / all purpose flour, 10 g cornstarch / cornflour, 1 egg, 450 ml dashi stock

  • Now, heat the takoyaki pan over a medium high heat and brush oil over the entire surface. Pour the batter into the centre of the pan and keep pouring until all the wells are full and the batter covers the entire plate.

  • Place one piece of octopus or chicken into each well, then scatter the spring onion, ginger and tempura crumbs across the lot. When the bottom of the batter starts turning crispy, use a chopstick to cut out a square shape around each takoyaki well.

    100-140 g octopus pieces, 1/2 cup spring onion / green onion, 1-2 tbsp beni shoga / red pickled ginger, 1/2 cup tenkasu

  • Next comes Masa’s fancy technique. Move your chopstick in an ‘L’ shape around the each well, then immediately push down into the well to flip the batter, forming a rough ball shape as you go. It might take a few tries, but keep going and you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

  • Continue flipping each ball occasionally as the batter becomes crispy and golden brown on all sides. The easiest way to do this is to pierce the takoyaki ball with the chopstick and pull upwards to flip.

For The Toppings:

  • Pop your cooked takoyaki onto serving platters and top with your favourite topping combinations. Feel free to experiment and let us know how you go.

  • Classic: Top with bbq sauce (or takoyaki sauce or okonomiyaki sauce) and Kewpie mayonnaise in a zigzag pattern. Dust with aonori powder and katsuobushi (bonito flakes).

    Takoyaki Sauce, kewpie mayonnaise, seaweed flakes / aonori, bonito flakes / katsuobushi

  • Hyuga Style: Top with Kewpie mayo, aonori and a sprinkling of salt.

    kewpie mayonnaise, seaweed flakes / aonori, Salt

  • Masa-san's Recommendation: Top with parmesan, salt and a light dusting of curry powder.

    Salt, Parmesan cheese, Curry powder

  • Wandercooks style: Sprinkle with your very own homemade matcha green tea salt.

  • Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle cheese on top and grill (broil) for a couple of minutes until melty and delicious.

    Cheese

Video

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (33)

Recipe Notes

  • For a crunchier texture and deep golden colour, add extra oil while flipping the takoyaki.
  • Japanese ingredients such as dashi stockQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (34), aonori flakesQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (35), bonito flakesQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (36), tenkasuQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (37) and takoyaki sauceQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (38) can be found at your local Asian grocery store or online via Amazon.
  • You can easily make tenkasu (crispy tempura crumbs) at home, simply splatter some tempura batter in hot oil and cook until crispy. Remove from the oil and allow to drain on paper towel.
  • What do you need to make this takoyaki recipe? To make takoyaki at home you’ll need aproper takoyaki plate. They come in all shapes and sizes, like this cast iron takoyaki plateQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (39) and this electric takoyaki panQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (40), but the well shape is essential when cooking.You’ll also need a takoyaki pickQuick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (41) or chopstick to flick the takoyaki into shape while grilling.
  • Why is my Takoyaki moving? If you top your takoyaki with katsuobushi (aka bonito flakes – thinly shaved dried fish) – you’ll find that it reacts with the heat from the fresh takoyaki which makes the bonito ‘dance’ on top of your takoyaki as it begins to absorb moisture. Cool huh!
  • If you don’t like octopus, feel free to substitute your own favourite fillings. Why not try it out with prawns, chicken, tofu or cheese?
  • For something completely different, ditch the savoury ingredients and go for a sweet version! Why not try adding chocolate for ‘chokoyaki’! Jams or other sweet ingredients would also work well.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Quick & Easy Takoyaki Recipe

Serving Size

4 g

Amount per Serving

Calories

30

% Daily Value*

Saturated Fat

1

g

6

%

Cholesterol

7

mg

2

%

Sodium

65

mg

3

%

Potassium

38

mg

1

%

Carbohydrates

5

g

2

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Sugar

1

g

1

%

Protein

2

g

4

%

Vitamin A

30

IU

1

%

Vitamin C

1

mg

1

%

Calcium

11

mg

1

%

Iron

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (42)

About Wandercooks

Wandercooks is an Australian recipe site reaching over 9 million views annually. Our recipes are here to inspire you with fresh and exciting food ideas from a range of Asian, European and Australian cuisines. As seen on Google.com, Today.com, Buzzfeed, Jetstar Asia and Lonely Planet.Read more...

Quick and Easy Takoyaki Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is takoyaki batter made of? ›

It's a mixture of Japanese stock Dashi, all-purpose flour, baking powder, eggs, salt, and soy sauce. If you don't want to make the batter from scratch, you can find takoyaki mix in Japanese grocery stores or Amazon.

What is the moving ingredient in takoyaki? ›

Bonito flakes - known as katsuobushi in Japanese - are a strange food upon first sight. They are known to move or dance when used as a topping on foods such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. It can be an odd sight upon first viewing if moving food makes you squeamish. However, it is nothing to be alarmed about.

Can you make takoyaki without a takoyaki maker? ›

Takoyaki can be made without a dedicated takoyaki pan using alternative methods such as an aebleskiver pan, cake pop maker, muffin tin, or egg rings/cookie cutters. Proper greasing of the alternative pan is important to prevent sticking.

What is the takoyaki sauce made of? ›

Ingredients: tomato, onion, apple, date, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, vinegar, soy sauce (water, soy sauce, wheat, salt), salt, spices, bonito extract, oyster extract, kelp extract , beef extract, processed starch, tamarind, monosodium glutamate E621.

Are takoyaki balls healthy? ›

Takoyaki or “octopus balls”, are not an especially healthy snack compared to other snacks of the region. They are generally high in carbs and deep-fried, causing a dual dietary dilemma to healthy eaters everywhere.

Why is my takoyaki not crispy? ›

When all your takoyaki are ball-shaped, pour a drizzle of oil onto the hotplate in-between the takoyaki - enough that the oil goes into the holes under the takoyaki. This makes the surface of the takoyaki crispy as they actually fry in the oil.

What is the brown thing in takoyaki? ›

Katsuobushi (Japanese: 鰹節) is simmered, smoked and fermented skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis, sometimes referred to as bonito). It is also known as bonito flakes or broadly as okaka (おかか).

What does takoyaki mean in Japanese? ›

Takoyaki (たこ焼き, literally “grilled octopus”) is a dish made of wheat batter and filling, usually octopus or a similar type of seafood.

What can I use instead of octopus in takoyaki? ›

If you don't like octopus, you can try making takoyaki with different ingredients such as chicken. Vegetarians can replace the octopus with vegetables like shiitake mushrooms.

Can you make takoyaki in a muffin pan? ›

Takoyaki in Muffin Pan
  1. Make the takoyaki batter (Flour, egg and water)
  2. Assemble everything in the muffin pan until 3/4 full.
  3. Bake in 180 degrees celsius pre-heated oven for. 25-40mins depending on the size of you muffin pan.
  4. Let it cool before serving (Best served with sauce)
Nov 15, 2020

What do you eat takoyaki with? ›

Takoyaki are not generally eaten with chopsticks but with toothpicks. They are almost always served with aonori seaweed and dried bonito fish flakes sprinkled on top, with mayonnaise and/or okonomiyaki sauce, another typical dish of Osaka.

Why is takoyaki so delicious? ›

Takoyaki is pleasantly soft. The batter on the outside has a delicate crispiness, but on the inside, it is soft and moist. The tender octopus meat serves to give a variance in texture, but it's still easy to chew and makes for an overall enjoyable mouth feel. The texture itself is part of what makes takoyaki iconic.

Why is it called takoyaki? ›

Tako means octopus, and yaki indicates the cooking method, in this case, pan-frying. Sometimes called “octopus balls” in English, takoyaki is made of a takoyaki batter infused with dashi (dried kelp and bonito flakes) filled with diced octopus meat, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.

Is takoyaki made of flour? ›

Takoyaki (Japanese: たこ焼き or 蛸焼) is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus (tako), tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger (beni shoga), and green onion (negi).

What is bonito flakes made of? ›

What are bonito flakes? Bonito flakes, or katsuobushi, are tissue-paper thin fish shavings with an intense umami flavour. Bonito flakes come from a tuna-like fish which is dried, fermented and then smoked. Bonito flakes are used alongside dried kelp to create the base of Japanese dashi stock.

What are the shavings on takoyaki? ›

Katsuobushi (Japanese: 鰹節) is simmered, smoked and fermented skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis, sometimes referred to as bonito). It is also known as bonito flakes or broadly as okaka (おかか).

Is takoyaki a tempura? ›

Takoyaki (たこ焼き), which literally translates to grilled octopus, refers to the savory dish of grilled balls of batter made with flour and eggs filled with octopus chunks and other ingredients like pickled ginger (beni shoga) and leftover fried tempura batter (tenkasu).

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