Takoyaki (たこ焼き) is a Japanese snack. It is a small ball made of wheat-flour and filled with octopus. It literally means, octopus (tako) and fried (yaki).

Takoyaki was first sold in Osaka around 1935. From there it spread throughout Japan. Today, it is one of the most popular snacks in Japan. You can find them almost anywhere (convenience store, restaurants, bars, etc.)

Takoyaki are simple to make once you have the ingredients. The katsuobushi (dried Bonito Flakes) and the Takoyaki Sauce give the Takoyaki it's distinctive flavor.

You Don't have to use Octopus

The great thing about Takoyaki is that you can fill them with whatever you want. You can replace the octopus with veggies, fish, meat, corn, etc.

Ingredients:

- Cooked Octopus 3 – 5 oz (100 – 145g) 

- Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)

- All-purpose Flour (5.3 oz / 150g)

- 2 teaspoons of baking powder

- Dashi Stock (7 oz/200g)

- Tenkasu (1.5 oz / 45g)

- Half teaspoon of salt

- 2 eggs

- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce

- Takoyaki Sauce (You can make your own)

You will need a Takoyaki Frying Pan there are several models:

Cheapest : Cast Iron Takoyaki Pan

Best: Electric Takoyaki Pan (makes things easier and less messy)

Steps:

1) Cut your Octopus into small pieces (0.7 inches / 2 cm).

2) In a bowl, mix your flour, baking powder and salt together.

3) In another bowl, mix your 2 eggs and your sauce together.

4) Pour your Egg and soy sauce mix into the flour, baking powder and salt bowl.

※ While you pour it in, add your Dashi Stock.

5) Heat your Takoyaki Frying Pan on medium heat and oil it with a brush or kitchen paper.

6) Once the Takoyaki frying pan is hot, you can pour your mix into the pan and leave it there for 2-3 minutes (they should get crispy from below). While you wait, put some Octopus pieces, Katsuobushi and Tenkasu into each Takoyaki.

※ You can put as many pieces of octopus as you want (2-4) or put in your favorite ingredients.

7) Once your Takoyaki is crispy from below, you can turn it half. This way the inside will fall out a little and create the other side. Keep turning the balls in your frying pan until they are crispy and round.

8) Finally, put your finished Takoyaki onto a plate pour some mayonnaise over them and sprinkle some Katsuobushi over them as well. DONE  (✧﹃ ✧)