[Recipe] Taiyaki

I recently came back from Japan with one loot that I'm really excited about - the Taiyaki pan!!!

For those that are unsure what is a taiyaki, it is basically a pancake shaped like a fish with fillings inside. Traditionally in Japan, the Tai fish, is usually served on a happy occasion, or a auspicious occasion like wedding or new year.

In Japan, it is one of the must try snack food. Usually its filled with adzuki (red) bean or white bean paste. But this is so versatile that you can fill it with any filling really.

But since it's the first time i'm using it, i'll stick to the traditional red bean paste :D

The pros of having the pan is that i can control the sweetness, filling ratio and the filling of the taiyaki. I really like that it is warm and crispy on the outside and soft with a good bite beyond the crust. And the adzuki bean (red bean).. homemade ones are always the best :)

The recipe can be easily used as a pancake and you can put the fillings in the center and then cover up with more batter before flipping it if you don't have the taiyaki pan. But if you happen to come across one, i would highly recommend getting it :)

Taiyaki Recipe

Makes about 5

Recipe adapted from Japan center

Ingredients

150g wheat flour 2/3 tbsp baking powder 1 egg 180ml milk 40g sugar 250g azuki red bean paste (recipe below) vegetable oil any other fillings of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl combine the flour and baking powder, stirring 2-3 times to make sure that it’s evenly mixed.

2. Lightly beat egg in a separate bowl. Add the sugar, creaming it together with the egg, then add the milk and mix well. Add the egg mixture to the flour and mix until combined. Do not overmix.

3. Lightly oil a taiyaki pan and pre-warm over a medium heat. Pour a thin layer of batter into both fish on one side of the pan. Spoon some azuki red bean paste into the centre of the batter fish halves, then spoon a little more batter on top of the red bean paste until covered. Close the taiyaki pan.

4. Reduce to a low heat and flip over the pan every two minutes to make sure the taiyaki is evenly cooked on both sides. Once cooked, serve and enjoy.

For adzuki bean paste, simply soak adzuki beans over night and simmer them until they are soft. once they are soft, lightly mash them with a fork and add honey to taste.

Enjoy :D

#Snack #Breakfast