Japanese Takoyaki (Octopus Dumplings) Recipe
Takoyaki, often referred to as octopus balls or octopus dumplings, is a Japanese dish made with minced octopus (Tako), tempura bits (ten Kasu), pickled ginger (Benis Hoga), and green onions (Negi), all mixed into a batter made from wheat flour.
Ingredients
Takoyaki Mix
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- Instant dashi – 2 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- 4.25 cups cold water
- Soy sauce – 2 tsp
- All-purpose flour – 300g
Takoyaki Filling
- Boiled octopus (cubed) – 1/2 lb
- Green onions (sliced) – 1 bunch
- Benis Hoga/pickled ginger (if preferred)
- Tempura bits or rice Krispies – 1 cup
- Shredded or cubed cheese (if preferred)
Takoyaki Toppings
- Mayo
- Bonito flakes
- Takoyaki sauce
- Aonori or seaweed strips
Instructions
- Begin by beating the eggs and adding water and stock granules to them. Combine the egg-water-dashi mixture with the flour and salt. Mix all the ingredients properly. Take the Takoyaki pan and heat it up. Brush the individual sections with oil or use a paper towel dipped in oil.
- Once the pan is hot, transfer the batter into the individual section sall the way to the top. It is completely fine if the batter overflows a little.
- Add green onions, protein, tempura bits or rice Krispies, ginger, and shredded cheese (if preferred).
- After some time, the base of the Takoyaki will be cooked completely. At this stage, you can flip them over 90 degrees using a skewer or two. If you’re not able to turn the Takoyaki easily, it means they are not cooked properly and need to be kept a little longer to cook. If required, pour some more batter onto the balls to fill them up. Allow it to cook for about a minute and then turn it over again at 90 degrees. Keep in mind that you can easily turn the balls when they’re properly cooked.
- Once the Takoyaki's turn lightly brown and crispy on the outside, it means that they’re done. You can also flip them easily in their holes. Per batch, it can take you around 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer the Takoyaki to a plate and spread Japanese mayonnaise and Takoyaki sauce on top. Finish by topping it all off with some bonito flakes and aonori, and voila!
Nutrition
Calories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 19gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 662mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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