How to Make the Perfect Taiyaki
Japanese · Easy · 30 min · 8 servings
Taiyaki are adorable fish shaped Japanese waffles filled with sweet red bean paste or chocolate making them an incredibly fun kid friendly recipe to make and eat together. Children are delighted by the crispy golden fish shape and the warm sweet filling hidden inside each one.
Why this recipe works
This Taiyaki recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 210 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sweet red bean paste or chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl whisk together flour baking powder and sugar. In a separate bowl beat the eggs with the milk then pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until a smooth lump free batter forms.
Step 2: Heat the Mold
Heat a taiyaki pan or fish shaped waffle iron over medium heat on the stovetop for about 3 minutes. Brush both sides of the mold generously with vegetable oil to prevent the batter from sticking.
Step 3: Fill and Cook
Pour a small amount of batter into one side of the mold to cover the bottom then add a spoonful of red bean paste or chocolate chips in the center. Cover with a little more batter then close the mold firmly and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Step 4: Release and Serve
Carefully open the mold and use a thin spatula to release each taiyaki. The fish should be golden brown and crispy on the outside with a warm gooey filling inside. Serve warm for the best experience.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sweet red bean paste → Nutella for a popular chocolate filling children always enjoy
- milk → oat milk or almond milk for a dairy free version of the batter
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not oiling the mold thoroughly enough causing the taiyaki to stick and tear when opened
- Overfilling with too much batter which causes it to overflow and make a mess around the mold edges
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 5g protein, 38g carbs, 5g fat, 2g fiber.
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