Hi, I’m Francis,
the host of this show "Cooking with Dog."
First, let’s make the takoyaki batter.
Add the salt to the cake flour in a bowl.
And thoroughly mix the powder with a balloon whisk.
Then, gradually pour in the cold dashi stock.
Mix in the flour from the center to the outside
to help avoid pockets of dry flour.
Using the cold dashi stock will help avoid developing
the gluten and create a soft and light texture.
Add the soy sauce.
Thoroughly beat the egg in a bowl
and add it to the batter.
Mix to combine.
Then, pour the batter into a pitcher.
Now, let’s prepare the fillings.
Cut the boiled octopus into 1cm (0.4”) pieces.
Squid or scallops can also be used
but then it would not be called takoyaki
since tako means octopus.
Next, cut the shrimp in half.
These shrimp are already peeled and deveined.
If you’re interested in how to clean shrimp,
check out our Ebi Chili video.
And now, heat a takoyaki pan to about 240°C (464°F).
Pour in a generous amount of oil.
Make sure to distribute the oil outside of the holes too.
Stir the batter
and drop in a bit to check if the pan is hot enough.
Then, pour the batter into the holes.
Immediately place the octopus into each hole.
And also add Chef’s favorite shrimp.
Sprinkle on the chopped cabbage leaves,
bonito powder,
spring onion leaves
and the beni shoga also known as pickled ginger.
When the batter around the edges of the holes begins to cook,
separate each takoyaki from the pan with bamboo sticks
and tilt it 90 degrees.
When all the takoyaki are tilted,
fill the holes with the batter again.
Then, turn the takoyaki a little at a time
and shape them into balls.
By the way, I have noticed some of the viewers
have difficulties getting a decent takoyaki pan.
Ladies and gentleman!
My friend emmymadeinjapan has demonstrated
how to make takoyaki using a cake pop maker
and she used our takoyaki batter recipe.
Please find the link at the end of this video
or in the description below.
She is an adorable lady and if I were not a toy poodle
I would have asked her out on a date!
Now, the takoyaki are golden brown
and turn smoothly with a light flick.
Place each takoyaki onto a plate as soon as it is ready,
Brush them with the okonomiyaki sauce.
And sprinkle on the aonori seaweed.
Finally, garnish with the bonito flakes.
Jaaaan!
You can also top with mayonnaise to taste.
There is a much heated debate
whether cabbage leaves can be used in takoyaki.
If your guests are Japanese, make sure to
get permission so that nobody gets upset.
You can also use mochi, cheese, kimchi, sausage,
or bacon for fillings and enjoy a variety of flavors.
Good luck in the kitchen!