Takoyaki, which literally means “grilled octopus” in Japanese, are slightly crispy balls of pan-fried savory batter filled with diced cooked octopus and other flavorings. They are typically garnished with tangy takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, ground dried seaweed and dried bonito flakes, and the combination is super tasty. (You can find these items at specialty grocers or online.) One of Japan’s most popular street snacks, takoyaki originated in Osaka in the 1930s and can now be found across the country, and abroad. Although people generally buy takoyaki, you can also make them at home. The process of forming the balls takes some practice, but it isn’t difficult. You will need a special molded pan, though. And if you don’t like octopus, no problem! You can substitute other ingredients, such as cooked shrimp, chicken, bacon or sausage, tofu, vegetables, even cheese. Just be sure to eat the takoyaki right away — they are best piping hot.
Ingredients
Instructions
Whisk together the Dashi and eggs in a large bowl. Add the flour, baking powder and salt and whisk just until smooth. Transfer the batter to a 1-quart measuring cup or bowl with a spout for easy pouring.
Heat a takoyaki pan over medium heat (see Cook's Note). Generously grease the “holes” and the entire surface using a pastry brush. Fill each hole about three-fourths of the way with batter (see Cook’s Note). Working quickly, place the following in each hole: 2 to 3 pieces of octopus, a pinch of scallions, a pinch of tenkasu and a pinch of beni shoga. (If you find that the batter is cooking too quickly, reduce the heat a bit. It may take a few tries to get the timing down.)
Top off each hole with a little more batter — it’s fine if it overflows a bit. Let cook until the bottom of each takoyaki is set but the inside is still wet, about 3 minutes. Working quickly, use 1or 2 skewers or chopsticks (I find it easier with 2) to turn each takoyaki about 90 degrees, cutting through any batter on the surface between the holes and “scraping” it into each hole as you go, forming a rough ball shape. Let any batter run out of the balls and when it starts to set, turn the balls completely over and cook, regularly rotating them until they are evenly golden brown all over and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes more (cooking time will depend on the size of the takayoki).
Remove the balls to a platter, drizzle with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise and then sprinkle with aonori and katsuobushi. Serve immediately and repeat with the remaining ingredients as needed.
Combine the kombu and 3 cups cold water in a medium saucepan and let sit for about 30 minutes. (You can skip this step if you’re short on time but it does lend a little extra flavor.) Heat over medium heat until the water comes to a near boil, but doesn’t actually boil, about 5 minutes. Discard the kombu.
Add the katsuobushi evenly over the water, bring to a boil over high heat and then immediately remove from the heat. Let steep for about 10 minutes without stirring.
Pour the dashi through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or quart-size measuring cup. Do not press down on the katsuobushi, which can make the dashi cloudy and/or bitter.
Dashi is best used the day it is made but can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Makes about 2 1/2 cups
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