Most Popular Street Foods In Japan: How To Make Homemade Takoyaki (Recipe Guide) (2025)

Most Popular Street Foods In Japan: How To Make Homemade Takoyaki (Recipe Guide) (1)

Our guide on How To Make Takoyaki one of the most popular dishes to try in Japan.

Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food consisting of savory batter balls filled with octopus, tempura scraps (tenkasu), green onions, and pickled ginger, topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Here’s a detailed recipe guide to making Takoyaki at home, along with tips and calorie information.

Takoyaki is a delicious and fun Japanese snack that’s perfect for parties or as a delightful treat. By following this recipe guide, you can create authentic takoyaki at home with crispy outsides and savory, flavorful insides. Enjoy this popular street food with your favorite toppings and experience the taste of Japan right in your own kitchen.

Read hereJapan Vegan SnacksandBreakfast in Japan

Read Here a guide tobuy your JR Pass,Things to know before visiting JapanandBest Japan Sim Card

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How to Make Homemade Takoyaki

Homemade Takoyaki Recipe Ingredients

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For the Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups dashi stock (or water)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:

1/2 pound cooked octopus, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup tempura scraps (tenkasu)
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons pickled red ginger (beni shoga), finely chopped
For Toppings:

Takoyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Japanese mayonnaise
Bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Aonori (seaweed flakes)
Pickled red ginger (beni shoga) for garnish

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Step By Step How to Make Homemade Takoyaki

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Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, eggs, dashi stock, soy sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Preheat the Takoyaki Pan

Preheat a takoyaki pan over medium heat. Lightly grease each compartment with vegetable oil using a brush or paper towel.

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Cook the Takoyaki

Pour the batter into each compartment of the takoyaki pan, filling them about 3/4 full. Place a piece of octopus, a few tempura scraps, some green onions, and pickled ginger into each compartment. Pour a little more batter over the filling if necessary to cover it.

Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to set. Use a skewer or takoyaki turner to flip each ball 90 degrees.
Continue cooking and turning until the balls are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes in total.

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Serve the Takoyaki

Transfer the cooked takoyaki to a plate. Drizzle with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. Sprinkle with bonito flakes and aonori. Add additional pickled red ginger on the side for garnish if desired.

Tips To Make Homemade Takoyaki

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A specialized takoyaki pan with half-sphere molds is essential for making authentic takoyaki. Use a skewer or chopsticks to turn the balls frequently for an even golden brown crust.

You can experiment with different fillings like shrimp, cheese, or vegetables for variety. The batter should be runny to create light and fluffy takoyaki balls.

How Many Calories Have Takoyaki

Batter (flour, eggs, dashi): 120 calories
Octopus: 60 calories
Tempura scraps: 20 calories
Green onions and ginger: 10 calories
Takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise: 80 calories
Bonito flakes and aonori: 10 calories

Total Estimated Calories per Serving: Approximately 300 calories

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Ruben Arribas

About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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Most Popular Street Foods In Japan: How To Make Homemade Takoyaki (Recipe Guide) (2025)

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