I have a thing for takoyaki, especially when I am back in Singapore (cant wait to go back) either that or when I am at Kura (Japanese restaurant @ Haymarket).
Takoyaki also known as Japanese octopus balls. It tastes totally different from our Singapore's octopus balls or HK's well-know octopus balls. Also it doesn't come cheap as majority of it is covered in flour with one or two thinly sliced octopus. And for Singapore and HK's octopus balls, they are made from real octopus meat.
Anyways, takoyaki can be made at home at low cost. Basically one can make the batter from basic. However I prefer to buy the premix from supermarket which is much more convenient and guarantee results. Another important thing that is needed, is the takoyaki pan but it is quite difficult to find in western countries. Therefore I substitute this equipment with a non stick muffin tray. And of course a small muffin tray would be better.
Here's the quick recipe.
Takoyaki premix or check out this
site for homemade takoyaki batter
Since most premix can make up to 50 takoyaki, for 2-4 people, I used 1/2 of the portion in the premix and mix with water till I got a batter that is not too watery or too thick.
Ingredients
octopus, bolied and sliced
spring onions, finely chopped (opt)
butter
Garnish
bonito flakes
Sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Mayonnaise
Variations
Instead of adding octopus, try
- ham and chesse
- crabmeat
- deep fried tofu (small pieces)
- vegetables (such as finely sliced carrots and onions or spinach and cheese or corn and cheese)
- sassages (cooked and thinly sliced)
- chicken (cooked and thinly sliced)
- Cornflakes
basically anything you like....
Method
Using a muffin tray, place on stove and glaze butter.
Pour in mixture and then add spring onions followed by ingredients such as boiled octopus or anything preferred ingredients.
Using satay sticks to turn the takoyaki..is take a little practise to master.
