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I'll never forget my first encounter with takoyaki. It was at a small street stall in Osaka, the air thick with the aroma of savory batter and sizzling octopus. The vendor, a wizened old man with a mischievous grin, handed me a piping hot ball drizzled with sauce. One bite, and I was hooked! That slightly chewy texture, the savory filling, and the explosion of flavors...it was pure culinary magic. Then, fast forward a few years... I was hiking up Mt. Takao outside of Tokyo, Japan when I found an interesting citrus chili. After some talking with the locals, I had discovered Yuzu Kosho! A popular and delicious Japanese addition to almost anything!
Takoyaki, those delectable octopus balls, are a staple of Japanese street food. But what happens when you give this classic a zesty, spicy kick? Enter Yuzu Kosho Yawp Takoyaki! This recipe takes the traditional takoyaki recipe and infuses it with the vibrant flavors of yuzu kosho, a Japanese citrus chili paste. The result? An unforgettable flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Yuzu kosho adds a unique dimension to the savory takoyaki, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It’s like a party in your mouth!
So, grab your takoyaki pan, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure! Don’t worry if you don’t have a takoyaki pan; you can also use a cast-iron skillet or even a muffin tin in a pinch. Trust me; it's worth every ounce of effort! The look on your friends and families' faces when they experience this amazing dish will give you the warm and fuzzies. A lot of people think this recipe is hard or too advanced... Don't you believe it! This is easy to make, and even easier to eat! Let's get cooking!
Elevate your takoyaki game with Yuzu Kosho Yawp Takoyaki! This recipe infuses the classic Japanese street food with the zesty and spicy kick of yuzu kosho, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor explosion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:20-25 takoyaki servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, whisk together the flour, dashi powder, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the egg and soy sauce. Whisk well, then gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Slowly pour in the water, whisking until you achieve a thin, pancake-like batter. Stir in the yuzu kosho, adjusting the amount to your spice preference. Remember, you can always add more later!
Heat your takoyaki pan over medium-high heat. Generously brush each mold with vegetable oil. This is crucial for preventing the takoyaki from sticking.
Pour the batter into each mold, filling it almost to the top. Don’t worry if it overflows a bit; it’s part of the process!
Sprinkle a generous amount of octopus pieces, tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger (beni shoga), and green onions into each mold. Feel free to add other fillings like cheese, shrimp, or vegetables.
As the bottom of the takoyaki starts to cook and form a skin (this should take a few minutes), use takoyaki picks or chopsticks to gently lift and rotate each ball. The uncooked batter will flow underneath, creating a round shape. Keep turning the takoyaki until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Once the takoyaki are cooked, transfer them to a plate. Drizzle generously with takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and sprinkle with more green onions and a sprinkle of nori seaweed flakes (ao-nori).
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Yuzu Kosho Yawp Takoyaki! Careful; they're hot!