18 Japanese Pancake Balls Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese pancake balls, also known as "takoyaki" in Japan, are a popular street food that has gained worldwide recognition for its unique and delicious taste. These bite-sized treats are made from a savory batter, filled with various fillings, and cooked in a special takoyaki pan. Originating from Osaka, Japan, these pancake balls have become a staple in Japanese cuisine and can now be found in many countries, including the United States. In this article, we will take a closer look at this traditional Japanese dish and provide you with an easy and authentic Japanese pancake balls recipe to recreate in your own kitchen.
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. These delicious and portable snacks can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them perfect for picnics, lunches, or snacks on-the-go. This recipe for Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri adds a unique twist to the traditional rice ball, with the addition of flavorful black sesame seeds and savory salmon.
To make these onigiri, start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, prepare your filling by flaking cooked salmon and mixing it with a touch of soy sauce and sesame oil. Once the rice is cooked and slightly cooled, mix in black sesame seeds and mirin, a sweet Japanese cooking wine.
Next, take a small handful of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball. Make an indentation in the middle and add a spoonful of the salmon mixture. Cover the filling with more rice and shape it into a triangle or ball. Sprinkle more black sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor. These onigiri can be eaten immediately or wrapped in nori for a more traditional presentation.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri are commonly filled with a variety of ingredients, from fish and meat to vegetables and pickles. This recipe for Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri uses a combination of tuna, mayo, and sriracha for a spicy and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet rice.
To make these onigiri, mix together canned tuna, mayo, and sriracha in a bowl. Cook your rice and mix in some rice vinegar and sugar to give it that classic tangy and sweet flavor. Take a handful of rice and shape it into a ball, then make an indentation in the middle and add a spoonful of the tuna mixture. Cover with more rice and shape into a triangle or ball. These onigiri can also be wrapped in nori for a more traditional presentation.
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Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Corn Starch, Baking Powder, Salt
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, are a popular street food in Japan. This recipe for Okonomiyaki adds a twist by using a combination of cabbage, bacon, and shrimp for a flavorful and hearty pancake.
To make this okonomiyaki, mix together flour, eggs, and dashi, a traditional Japanese stock, to create the pancake batter. Add in shredded cabbage, cooked bacon, and shrimp, then pour the batter onto a hot griddle or pan. Once cooked, top with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a truly authentic flavor.
Another variation of okonomiyaki is this recipe for Japanese Cabbage Pancake. This version uses a combination of cabbage, pork belly, and green onions for a savory and filling pancake.
To make this dish, mix together flour, eggs, and bonito flakes to create the pancake batter. Add in shredded cabbage, sliced pork belly, and chopped green onions. Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle or pan until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes on top for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Japanese-style pancakes are known for their fluffy and light texture, making them a popular breakfast item in Japan. This recipe for Japanese Style Pancakes adds a unique twist by incorporating matcha powder for a subtle green tea flavor.
To make these pancakes, mix together flour, milk, eggs, and matcha powder to create the batter. Cook the pancakes on a griddle or pan until golden brown and fluffy. Serve with butter and maple syrup for a delicious and indulgent breakfast treat.
Japanese ‘cotton’ cheesecake, also known as souffle cheesecake, is a light and airy version of the classic cheesecake. This recipe for Japanese ‘Cotton’ Cheesecake uses a combination of cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch for a smooth and fluffy texture.
To make this cheesecake, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Separate eggs and beat the whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture. Bake in a water bath for a light and delicate texture. Serve with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for a delicious and elegant dessert.
Another version of okonomiyaki is this simple and easy recipe for Japanese Okonomiyaki. This version uses a combination of flour, eggs, and bacon for a quick and tasty meal.
To make this dish, mix together flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage to create the pancake batter. Add in cooked bacon and pour the batter onto a hot griddle or pan. Flip the pancake once it is golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Serve with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a classic and delicious flavor.
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How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
Making onigiri may seem intimidating, but it is actually quite simple. This recipe for How To Make Onigiri breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps.
To make onigiri, start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, prepare your filling of choice. Once the rice is cooked and slightly cooled, mix in any desired seasonings or toppings. Take a small handful of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball. Add your filling of choice, then cover with more rice and shape into a triangle or ball. These onigiri can be eaten immediately or wrapped in nori for a more traditional presentation.
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Vegan Onigiri - Japanese Stuffed Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Salt, Peanut Butter, Roasted Bell Pepper
For those following a vegan diet, this recipe for Vegan Onigiri is a delicious and satisfying option. This version uses a combination of steamed edamame, avocado, and sesame seeds for a flavorful and nutritious filling.
To make these onigiri, start by cooking your rice and mixing in sesame seeds. While the rice is cooking, steam the edamame and mash it with avocado and soy sauce. Once the rice is cooked and slightly cooled, follow the same steps as the traditional onigiri recipe to shape and fill the rice balls. These vegan onigiri can also be wrapped in nori for a more traditional presentation.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono, or Japanese cucumber salad, is a refreshing and light side dish commonly served with meals in Japan. This recipe for Japanese Cucumber Salad uses a simple dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar to create a tangy and flavorful dish.
To make this salad, thinly slice cucumbers and mix them with the dressing. Let the cucumbers marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This salad can also be topped with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Ramen, a popular noodle soup dish, has its roots in Japan. This recipe for Japanese Ramen uses a combination of pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, and ramen noodles for a hearty and flavorful meal.
To make this dish, start by cooking the pork belly until crispy, then use the rendered fat to cook the mushrooms and onions. Add in soy sauce and mirin, then pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add in the cooked ramen noodles and let them simmer in the broth for a few minutes before serving. Top with sliced pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg for a traditional and delicious ramen experience.
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Vegan Okonomiyaki (aka Japanese Vegetable Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Shredded Cabbage, Shredded Carrot, Chopped Onion, Dried
This recipe for Vegan Okonomiyaki is a plant-based twist on the traditional savory pancake. Instead of using meat or seafood, this version uses a combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms for a flavorful and satisfying pancake.
To make this dish, mix together flour, dashi, and water to create the pancake batter. Add in the shredded vegetables and cook the pancakes on a griddle or pan until crispy and golden brown on both sides. Serve with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a tasty and filling meal.
Udon noodles, thick and chewy wheat noodles, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. This recipe for Japanese Udon Noodle Soup uses a simple broth made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin for a flavorful and comforting soup.
To make this soup, cook udon noodles according to package instructions and set aside. In a pot, bring dashi and water to a boil, then add in soy sauce and mirin. Add in cooked udon noodles and any desired toppings, such as green onions, tofu, or tempura for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are a popular appetizer or side dish in Japan. This recipe for Japanese Gyoza Dumplings uses a combination of pork, cabbage, and garlic for a flavorful and juicy filling.
To make these dumplings, mix together ground pork, shredded cabbage, and minced garlic. Fill store-bought gyoza wrappers with a spoonful of the filling, then seal and crimp the edges. Cook the dumplings in a pan until crispy on the bottom, then add water and cover to steam and cook the filling. Serve with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce and rice vinegar.
Eggplant, or aubergine, is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine. This recipe for Japanese Eggplant uses a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil for a simple and flavorful side dish.
To make this dish, slice eggplant and cook it in a pan until soft and slightly charred. Mix together soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil, then pour it over the cooked eggplant. Let it simmer for a few minutes before serving. This dish can also be topped with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savoury Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Flour, Dashi Stock, Egg, Shredded
This recipe for Okonomiyaki uses a combination of cabbage and chicken for a savory and satisfying pancake. This dish is also topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a classic and delicious flavor.
To make this pancake, mix together flour, eggs, and dashi to create the batter. Add in shredded cabbage and cooked chicken, then cook on a griddle or pan until crispy and golden brown. Serve with the traditional toppings for a truly authentic taste.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Cabbage Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Coconut Aminos, Toasted Sesame Oil, Rice
This version of Okonomiyaki uses a combination of cabbage and bacon for a simple and delicious pancake. The traditional toppings of okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes are also used to give this dish its classic flavor.
To make this pancake, mix together flour, eggs, and bonito flakes to create the batter. Add in shredded cabbage and cooked bacon, then cook on a griddle or pan until crispy and golden brown. Serve with the traditional toppings for a truly authentic taste.
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Okonomiyaki ( Japanese Cabbage Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Coconut Aminos, Toasted Sesame Oil, Rice
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, are a popular noodle choice in Japan. This recipe for Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce adds a twist by using a flavorful and creamy peanut sauce.
To make this dish, cook soba noodles according to package instructions and set aside. In a pan, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create the peanut sauce. Add in cooked noodles and toss to coat. Serve with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Yakitori, or Japanese grilled chicken skewers, are a popular street food in Japan. This recipe for Yakitori uses a combination of chicken thighs, green onions, and teriyaki sauce for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish.
To make these skewers, cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers with sliced green onions. Grill or broil the skewers until the chicken is cooked through, then brush with teriyaki sauce and cook for a few more minutes. Serve with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious and authentic taste.
The History of Japanese Pancake Balls
The Origins of Takoyaki
The origins of Japanese pancake balls can be traced back to Osaka, Japan, where they were first created in the 1930s. A street vendor by the name of Tomekichi Endo is credited with inventing this delicious snack, inspired by a popular local dish called "akashiyaki." Initially, takoyaki was made with just a simple batter and filled with octopus, which is where the name "takoyaki" comes from, as "tako" means octopus in Japanese.
The Rise in Popularity
Over the years, takoyaki became more and more popular in Japan, with street vendors and restaurants serving up their own unique versions of the dish. In the 1950s, a takoyaki machine was invented, making it easier to cook the dish in large quantities and further increasing its popularity. In the 1990s, takoyaki started to gain international attention, with takoyaki stands popping up in countries like the United States and Canada.
The Ingredients and Method for Making Japanese Pancake Balls
The Ingredients
The key ingredients for making Japanese pancake balls are a basic batter made with flour, eggs, and dashi (a type of Japanese stock), and a variety of fillings. The most common fillings include diced octopus, green onions, and tenkasu (tempura scraps). However, there are also many other fillings that can be used, such as cheese, shrimp, or vegetables. The toppings for takoyaki typically include mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce (a savory and sweet sauce), and bonito flakes (dried and fermented fish flakes).
The Method
To make Japanese pancake balls, start by preparing the batter by mixing flour, eggs, and dashi until smooth. Heat a takoyaki pan on medium-high heat and grease it with oil. Pour the batter into the pan, filling each hole about 3/4 full. Add your desired fillings into each hole and use a skewer or takoyaki pick to flip the balls over as they cook. Once they are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. Top with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, and bonito flakes before serving hot.
In conclusion, Japanese pancake balls, or takoyaki, are a delicious and unique dish that has gained popularity worldwide. With its origins dating back to the 1930s in Osaka, Japan, this street food has evolved and can now be easily recreated in your own kitchen. Give this Japanese pancake balls recipe a try and experience the taste of Japan in the comfort of your own home.
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
