Fresh Taiyaki pastries filled with sweet red bean filling, a popular Japanese dessert

Taiyaki

ByOlivia Carter
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why make this recipe

Taiyaki is a delightful Japanese fish-shaped pastry that is sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries it. It’s fun to make and even more fun to eat! This treat is crispy on the outside and filled with a sweet filling, making it a perfect snack or dessert. Whether you’re looking for a unique homemade treat or a way to impress friends at a gathering, taiyaki is a great choice.

how to make Taiyaki

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup sweet filling (such as red bean paste, chocolate, or custard)
  • Oil for greasing the pan

Directions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Preheat a taiyaki pan on medium heat and lightly grease it with oil.
  5. Pour a small amount of the batter into the mold, add a tablespoon of your chosen filling, and then cover with more batter.
  6. Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until done.
  7. Remove from the pan and serve warm.

how to serve Taiyaki

Taiyaki is best served warm. You can enjoy it plain or dust it with a little powdered sugar for added sweetness. It also pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For an extra treat, you can drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top.

how to store Taiyaki

If you have leftover taiyaki, you can store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. To enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the pan or toaster until it is warm and crispy.

tips to make Taiyaki

  • Make sure to mix the batter gently. Overmixing can make the taiyaki tough.
  • Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite.
  • For a crispy texture, ensure your pan is adequately greased.
  • Keep an eye on the taiyaki while it cooks, as it can burn quickly.

variation

You can customize taiyaki by using various fillings. Popular options include sweet potato paste, custard, or even ice cream. You can also try adding fruits or nuts to the filling for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use pancake mix instead of making my own batter?
Yes, you can use pancake mix as a shortcut, but adding some milk and an egg will enhance the flavor and texture.

2. Is taiyaki only sweet?
While taiyaki is traditionally sweet, you can fill it with savory ingredients such as cheese or seafood for a different experience.

3. Can I freeze taiyaki?
Yes, you can freeze cooked taiyaki. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven before serving.

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Taiyaki

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A delightful Japanese fish-shaped pastry, crispy on the outside and filled with a sweet filling, perfect for snacks or desserts.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup sweet filling (such as red bean paste, chocolate, or custard)
  • Oil for greasing the pan

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Preheat a taiyaki pan on medium heat and lightly grease it with oil.
  5. Pour a small amount of the batter into the mold, add a tablespoon of your chosen filling, and then cover with more batter.
  6. Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until done.
  7. Remove from the pan and serve warm.

Notes

Best served warm, with optional powdered sugar dusting or drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

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Hi, I’m Olivia Carter. I’m 41 years old, born in Nashville, Tennessee, and now living in Denver, Colorado, where the mountains are as much a part of my inspiration as the markets I shop from. My kitchen is my safe place it smells of herbs, wood smoke, and sometimes just-baked bread cooling on the counter.

I didn’t grow up with professional chefs around me just hardworking parents and a grandmother who believed that love always started with a pot on the stove. She taught me how to make biscuits without a recipe, how to know when cornbread is ready just by the sound it makes, and how to never waste a single vegetable from the garden. Those lessons stuck with me more than anything I ever read in a cookbook.

My path here wasn’t simple. I started as a server, sneaking glances into the kitchen whenever I could. Eventually, I found myself behind the line, sweating through long shifts, burning my fingers, and learning faster than I thought possible. Later, I studied culinary arts in New York, but I’ve always said the best training came from real kitchens, real mistakes, and real people who pushed me to keep going.

Today, my cooking is rooted in Southern tradition but shaped by everywhere I’ve traveled and everything I’ve tasted. I love the balance of smoky barbecue with bright citrus, the sweetness of honey paired with a kick of chili, and the way fresh herbs can lift even the simplest dish. Food, to me, is about contrast it should surprise you while still feeling like home.

I cook for people who want food that tells a story. I believe meals should connect us to memory, to family, to joy. It’s not about perfection or fancy plating it’s about sitting down, taking a bite, and feeling something.

If you’ve ever laughed around a messy kitchen table, licked barbecue sauce off your fingers, or found comfort in a bowl of soup on a hard day, then you already understand what my cooking is about. Welcome I can’t wait to share it with you.

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