What is Takoyaki? Japanese Snacks Explained
Marie Moore
There are so many delicious snacks in Japan and one very popular snack is takoyaki! In fact, it's so popular that you can even get it in Japanese shops and restaurants overseas! However, unless you're a Japanese snack and Japanese candy connoisseur you may not know what exactly takoyaki is. But don't sweat! Here at TokyoTreat we're going to tell you all you need to know about the super delicious treat takoyaki!
Takoyaki originated in Osaka in the 1930's and today is still famous for being Osakan cuisine! The "tako" (蛸) in takoyaki meaning octopus and yaki (焼) meaning baked. It's a ball shaped snack made of wheat based batter, and can contain various different fillings and toppings.
As you probably guessed from the tako in takoyaki meaning octopus, the main filling is octopus! The rest of the fillings usually include tempura leftovers, pickled ginger and green onion. The takoyaki is then topped with takoyaki sauce (which is very similar to Worcester sauce), Japanese mayonnaise, dried laver and bonito flakes. There are some different variations though! For example you can get ones with shrimp inside or different seafood!
So how exactly is it made? The flour based takoyaki batter is mixed with eggs and water or dashi and then placed in the special takoyaki shape hotplate. The fillings are then sprinkled into the batter, so the octopus then ginger and spring onions. The batter is then rotated with prongs whilst its cooking to give the takoyaki its ball shape and then is cooked until golden brown all around. Once the takoyaki is cooked, it's plated and then the takoyaki sauce, mayo, dried laver and bonito flakes are sprinkled on top!
Takoyaki is actually super easy to make yourself at home! All you need is a home takoyaki plate which can be found easily and inexpensively online and of course the ingredients which can be found at most Asian supermarkets! You can even buy readymade takoyaki flour at Asian supermarkets too! The best part is you can even choose the fillings and toppings! In the past we've made cheese and ham takoyaki and even chocolate takoyaki!
Love this? Why not read our explanation on taiyaki or about these 10 super weird Japanese foods!
Was this blog helpful? Have you tried takoyaki before? Have you made or would you like to try making your own takoyaki? Let us know in the comments!
What do you think about taiyaki? Have you tried it? What's your favourite filling? Let us know in the comments!
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