How to quick Make tasty authentic Japanese TAIYAKI at Home
AS YOU BITE INTO THE WARM AND FRESHLY-MADE SNACK, YOU’LL BE INSTANTLY TRANSPORTED TO THE VIBRANT AND LIVELY STREETS OF JAPAN.
HERE’S HOW TO EASY MAKE TAIYAKI AT HOME.
👇👇 GO TO:
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WHAT IS TAIYAKI AND WHAT’S ITS ORIGIN
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INGREDIENTS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR MAKING TAIYAKI AT HOME
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STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING THE TAIYAKI BATTER
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TIPS FOR FILLING AND SHAPING THE TAIYAKI
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COOKING THE TAIYAKI: GRIDDLE VS. OVEN
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TRADITIONAL AND MODERN FILLINGS FOR TAIYAKI
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SERVING AND STORING TAIYAKI: HOT OR COLD?
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MAKING TAIYAKI AT HOME
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CONCLUSION AND FINAL TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT TAIYAKI AT HOME
AS YOU BITE INTO THE WARM AND FRESHLY-MADE SNACK, YOU’LL BE INSTANTLY TRANSPORTED TO THE VIBRANT AND LIVELY STREETS OF JAPAN.
HERE’S HOW TO EASY MAKE TAIYAKI AT HOME.
1.
WHAT IS TAIYAKI AND WHAT'S ITS ORIGIN
Taiyaki is a traditional sweet (or savory) Japanese snack with a crisp exterior and delicious filling. A tasty treat that will make your taste buds explode! Whether you choose the classic red bean paste filling or something more adventurous, one bite of this adorable fish-shaped snack will have you hooked.
Taiyaki, oh taiyaki. The snack that’s been causing a stir in Japan for centuries. It all started back in the 1800s when some genius decided to take a boring old fish shape and fill it with sweet, gooey red bean paste. And let me tell you, the people of Japan went WILD.
Since making taiyaki at home is easy and fun.. here’s how to quickly turn yourself into a pro Taiyaki maker!
That’s what you’ll need to know...
Ikimasho!
2.
INGREDIENTS (AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED) FOR MAKING TAIYAKI AT HOME
. INGREDIENTS .
for 6-8 Taiyaki
• TAIYAKI BATTER •
Flour (all purpose) – – – – – – – 150 gr (1 cup)
Sugar – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 100 gr (½ cup)
Milk – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 120 ml (½ cup)
Egg – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 piece
Baking Powder – – – – – – – – – 2.5 gr (½ tsp)
Salt – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1.25 gr (¼ tsp)
• EXTRA •
Filling (your choice) – – – – – – – – – A lot 😉
Usually filled with Anko Red Beans Paste
⏰30-40 Mins | 🍳 Easy | 💵 Low
COOKING TOOLS:
• Taiyaki pan -> here’s the best you’ll find online
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
What to do in short…
just mix the ingredients together, pour the batter into the pan, and add your filling. Then simply cook and enjoy!
The real key for making perfect taiyaki at home is to use the best taiyaki pan, which will give your treats the signature fish shape and perfectly crispy exterior. A taiyaki pan is essential for anyone looking to make authentic Japanese taiyaki at home.
Without it, you’ll be missing out on the signature fish shape and crispy exterior that makes this asia street food so delicious. Plus, a taiyaki pan is specifically designed to cook every taiyaki evenly and prevent the batter from sticking, so you’ll get perfect results every time.
Let’s say there are also a few tricks that will make you avoid annoying mistakes along the cooking procedure.
Let’s dig a bit deeper in the making process.
3.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THE PERFECT TAIYAKI BATTER
01
Start by sifting the dry ingredients:
– 150 gr (1 cup) of all-purpose flour
– 100 gr (½ cup) of sugar
– 2.5 gr (½ tsp) of baking powder
– 1.25 gr (¼ tsp) of salt.
and put them all into a large mixing bowl and give a quick stir.
(If you are using any additional dry ingredients matcha powder, chocolate powder and so on, add them at this stage and mix well)
02
Next, add milk (or water) to the dry ingredients.
Add it little by little and every time you add new liquids mix it evenly using a fork, a whisk or an electric mixer.
Once you’ve put half of the milk, add the egg.
(If you are using any additional fluid ingredients such as vanilla extract, add them at this stage and mix well)
Keep going with the last part of the milk.
And you should have obtained a smooth batter, free of lumps.
⭐️ COOKING TIPS
THE PROCESS IS FAST… BUT I’M SURE YOU WANNA MAKE IT EVENT FASTER! 😎
BUT HOW?
JUST PUT ALL TOGETHER IN A TALL AND SLIM CONTAINER AND MIX UNTIL THE BATTER IS SMOOTH, USING A TRUSTWORTHY IMMERSION BLENDER.
⭐️ COOKING TIPS
BE SURE TO USE A LOW SPEED WHEN MIXING, AND STOP AS SOON AS THE INGREDIENTS ARE WELL COMBINED, TO AVOID OVER-MIXING THE BATTER, WHICH CAN CAUSE IT TO BECOME TOUGH AND CHEWY.
03
Meanwhile heat the taiyaki pan over medium heat and lightly grease the fish-shaped molds. For a better result you can use this Aburabiki, a Japanese-style brush, specific to spread and distribute oil.
04
Pour the batter into the molds, filling them about three-quarters full.
You can make this process easier by using a Batter Dispenser like this one (especially if you plan to cook a lot of taiyaki at once).
⭐️ COOKING TIPS
IT IS BEST TO ADD THE TAIYAKI FILLING IMMEDIATELY AFTER POURING THE BATTER ONTO THE TAIYAKI GRIDDLE. THIS IS BECAUSE THE BATTER WILL START COOKING IMMEDIATELY, AND IF YOU WAIT UNTIL THE BATTER IS PARTIALLY COOKED, THE FILLING MAY NOT BE WELL-INCORPORATED INTO THE FINISHED PRODUCT.
05
Add your choice of filling to the center of the batter in each mold (popular choices include red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or fruit).
Then cover the filling with more batter and close the mold.
06
Cook the taiyaki until the batter is golden brown and the filling is heated through, about 2-4 minutes per side, depending of the size of your taiyaki and the Taiyaki pan you’ve purchased.
07
Remove the taiyaki from the pan and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
You can place them on a wire rack to cool down and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
08
After cooling down, time to finally serve your Taiyaki with different sauces or toppings (or even with ice cream for a delicious dessert). Keep reading to get inspo for tastes and fillings to experiment with.
4.
TIPS FOR FILLING AND SHAPING TAIYAKI AS A PRO
• Use a proper taiyaki pan or a waffle iron with fish-shaped molds for the perfect shape and crispy exterior.
• Don’t overfill the molds with batter or filling. Aim for about three-quarters full to allow the batter to rise and expand without spilling over.
• Use a small spoon or chopstick to carefully spread the batter and filling evenly in the mold.
• Be patient and let the taiyaki cook thoroughly on both sides. This will ensure that the filling is heated through and the batter is cooked to perfection.
Don’t know yet which cooking tool is
the best match for your original TAIYAKI?
HERE’S MY GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST TAIYAKI PAN ONLINE!
INCLUDING LIFE-SAVING TIPS AND REVIEWS!
5.
COOKING THE TAIYAKI: GRIDDLE VS OVEN
Taiyaki can be cooked using either a griddle or an oven. Here are the main differences between the two methods:
GRIDDLE
A griddle is a flat, heated surface that is typically used for cooking foods like pancakes, eggs, and bacon. To cook taiyaki on a griddle, you’ll need a taiyaki pan or a waffle iron with fish-shaped molds. The griddle method will give your taiyaki a crispy exterior and evenly cooked interior.
OVEN
An oven is a heated enclosure that is typically used for baking or roasting foods. To cook taiyaki in the oven, you’ll need a taiyaki pan or a muffin tin with fish-shaped molds. The oven method will give your taiyaki a softer, more cake-like texture.
Overall, the griddle method is the traditional way to cook taiyaki and will give you the best results in terms of texture and flavor. However, the oven method can also be used if you prefer a softer, more cake-like taiyaki.
Whether you prefer cooking Taiyaki on a griddle or with an oven, don’t forget to choose the right cooking tool!
6.
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN FILLINGS FOR TAIYAKI IN JAPAN
Taiyaki is traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, which is made from cooked and mashed red beans. This filling is slightly sweet and has a slightly chewy texture, making it the perfect complement to the crispy, fluffy taiyaki batter.
In modern times, taiyaki has become more versatile and is now often filled with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. Some popular choices include custard, chocolate, cheese, and sweet potato. The filling can be easily customized to suit individual preferences.
When designing a filling for your taiyaki, consider the flavor and texture of it in relation to the batter. Sweet, gooey fillings like red bean paste and custard are a good match for the fluffy, crispy taiyaki batter. Savory fillings like cheese and sweet potato can also be tasty, but may require a slightly denser batter to balance the flavors. Experiment with different fillings and find the combination that works best for you!
Psst… want to know a secret?
We’ve got an amazing taiyaki filling idea that is sure to knock your socks off. Are you ready for it? Nutella! That’s right, Nutella makes the perfect taiyaki filling. It’s rich, chocolatey, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s a breeze to make – just spoon a generous amount of Nutella into the center of each taiyaki mold.
You sure can also go further and match the nutella heart with peanut butter, or a drizzle of dark chocolate drops.
Trust us, this is a taiyaki filling that you won’t want to miss. Keep it on the down low, but give it a try and thank us later!
7.
SERVING AND STORING TAIYAKI: BETTER HOT OR COLD?
Taiyaki can be enjoyed either hot or cold, depending on personal preference. Here are some tips for serving and storing taiyaki:
HOT
Taiyaki is traditionally served hot, straight out of the pan. This will give the taiyaki a crispy exterior and warm, gooey filling. To keep taiyaki warm, place them on a plate and cover with foil or a lid until ready to serve.
COLD
Taiyaki can also be enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator. This will give the taiyaki a softer, more cake-like texture. To store taiyaki, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Overall, the best way to serve and store taiyaki is to experiment and find the method that works best for you and your personal preferences. Enjoy your taiyaki hot, cold, or any way you like!
⭐️ COOKING TIPS
If you have stored your taiyaki in the refrigerator and want to restore the original crispy texture, here’s an handy tip for you 👇👇👇
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180ºC).
• Place the taiyaki on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the taiyaki is warm and the exterior is crispy again.
• Alternatively, you can heat the taiyaki in a toaster oven or air fryer for a crispier texture.
• If you don’t have access to an oven, you can also try heating the taiyaki in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat (or directly back into the taiyaki pan used to cook them). Before heating, it’s a good idea to warm the taiyaki in the microwave for a few seconds to heat up the inner filling. This will help to prevent the taiyaki from drying out and ensure that the filling is heated through. Once the taiyaki is warm, carefully place it in the pan and heat until the exterior is crispy again. With a little care and attention, you can restore the crispy texture of your taiyaki and enjoy it just as much as when it was first made!
Overall, the key to restoring the crispy texture of cold taiyaki is to heat it gently and evenly. With a little patience and the right techniques, you can enjoy taiyaki that is just as crispy and delicious as when it was first made!
8.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MAKING TAIYAKI AT HOME
> Can I use a waffle iron to make taiyaki?
Yes, you can use a waffle iron to make taiyaki. Just be sure to use fish-shaped molds to give your taiyaki the signature shape.
> Can I use a muffin tin to make taiyaki?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin to make taiyaki. Just be sure to use fish-shaped molds to give your taiyaki the signature shape.
> Can I use a different type of flour to make taiyaki batter?
Yes, you can use a different type of flour to make taiyaki batter. All-purpose flour is the most commonly used type, but you can also experiment with other types of flour like rice flour or glutinous rice flour for a slightly different texture.
> Can I make Taiyaki with sugar alternatives?
You can make Taiyaki with sugar alternatives such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
> Can I make Taiyaki with different types of milk?
You can make Taiyaki with different types of milk such as soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. You can also use water, but the taste would be a bit milder.
> How can I make Taiyaki with a more unique savory filling?
– To make Taiyaki with a more unique savory filling, you can try using ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or meat.
– One way to achieve this is by preparing a filling made of sauteed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and garlic mixed with cheese, and adding it to the Taiyaki batter before cooking. You can also use leftover cooked meats like chicken or beef, or even seafood like shrimp or crab meat, mixed with cheese or vegetables as a filling.
– Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and seasonings to create a unique and delicious savory Taiyaki.
– Keep in mind that, unlike sweet fillings, savory fillings may require more time of cooking.
> How can I make Taiyaki with a crispy crust?
To make Taiyaki with a crispy crust, you can try using a higher heat when cooking and brushing the Taiyaki with oil or butter before cooking.
> How can I make Taiyaki with a fluffy texture?
To make Taiyaki with a fluffy texture, you can try using a mixture of baking powder and baking soda in the batter, as well as whipping the egg whites before adding them to the batter.
> How do I know when the Taiyaki is done?
Taiyaki is done when the surface is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the molds. You can also check if they are done by using a toothpick or a skewer, it should come out clean if they are ready.
> Can I make the taiyaki batter in advance?
Yes, you can make the taiyaki batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This can be a convenient way to save time when making taiyaki. Just be sure to mix the batter well before using it to ensure that it is smooth and free of lumps.
> Can I freeze taiyaki?
Yes, you can freeze taiyaki to enjoy at a later time. To freeze taiyaki, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the taiyaki to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the frozen taiyaki in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the oven or a non-stick pan until warm and crispy again.
🎉 ITADAKIMASU! 🎉
Pat yourself on the back, my dear culinary artist!
You have successfully replicated the irresistible (and addicting)
Japanese Taiyaki street food.
9.
CONCLUSION AND FINAL TIPS FOR THE PERFECT HOMEMADE JAPANESE TAIYAKI
In conclusion, making taiyaki at home is easy and fun!
With the right ingredients, equipment, and techniques, you can create delicious, authentic Japanese taiyaki that is crispy, fluffy, and filled with your favorite flavors.
Remember to use a taiyaki pan or waffle iron with fish-shaped molds for the best results, and experiment with different fillings to find the combination that suits your tastes.
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またね (mata ne) and happy eating! 😉
Written by: Dromediary