Homemade 4-Flavor Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Pastry)
Homemade 4-Flavor Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Pastry)
Easy Taiyaki Recipe with Hot Cake Mix: Dough, Fillings, and Air Fryer Tips
Make delicious fish-shaped pastries right at home with this easy recipe using hot cake mix! Explore four delightful filling options: sweet red bean paste, sweet bean jelly, cheese, and chocolate. We’ll guide you through making the batter, filling the molds, and even suggest an air fryer method for crispy results.
Basic Batter Ingredients- 500g Hot cake mix
- 2 Eggs
- 400ml Milk
Taiyaki Filling Ingredients (Makes approx. 8 pastries)- 2 Tbsp Sweet red bean paste (canned or homemade)
- 1 pc Sweet bean jelly (small size)
- 2 slices Cheese
- 1 pc Chocolate bar (or chocolate chips)
- 2 Tbsp Sweet red bean paste (canned or homemade)
- 1 pc Sweet bean jelly (small size)
- 2 slices Cheese
- 1 pc Chocolate bar (or chocolate chips)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the fillings that will add delightful flavors to your taiyaki. For the sweet red bean paste, you can use canned paste commonly found in supermarkets for shaved ice, or prepare it yourself by boiling adzuki beans. Sweet bean jelly (Yokan) offers a different, subtly sweet flavor that complements the red bean paste. Preparing both allows for a fun taste comparison! Cheese adds a savory richness when melted, and chocolate provides an intensely sweet center.
Step 2
Now, it’s time to make the taiyaki batter. In a large mixing bowl, crack two fresh eggs. Pour in 400ml of warm milk. Using a whisk, gently mix the eggs and milk until well combined and smooth.
Step 3
Add the 500g of hot cake mix to the egg and milk mixture. Sifting the mix beforehand can help prevent lumps, resulting in a smoother batter. Stir repeatedly with a spatula or whisk until the lumps of flour are completely dissolved and the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the taiyaki tough.
Step 4
Transfer the prepared batter into a measuring cup or ladle. This makes it much easier and neater to pour the batter into the taiyaki molds.
Step 5
Prepare the four filling ingredients: sweet bean jelly, chocolate, red bean paste, and cheese. Cut the sweet bean jelly into manageable pieces, and if using cheese slices, cut them to fit the shape of the taiyaki mold. You can use a whole chocolate bar or chocolate chips.
Step 6
This is a crucial step! Generously grease both the top and bottom halves of your taiyaki mold with oil or butter. This prevents the batter from sticking and ensures a clean release. Pour some of the batter into the greased bottom mold, then place your chosen filling (e.g., a piece of sweet bean jelly) onto the batter.
Step 7
Let’s make a cheese taiyaki! After pouring the batter and adding the cheese, cover it with more batter. The melted cheese will add a delicious savory note.
Step 8
Create a decadent chocolate taiyaki by placing chocolate in the center of the batter and covering it with more batter. As it bakes, the chocolate will melt into a rich, gooey center that children especially will love.
Step 9
For a classic taste, prepare the red bean paste taiyaki. Spoon a generous amount of sweet red bean paste onto the batter and cover with more batter. The balance of sweet red bean and soft pastry is delightful.
Step 10
Pour more batter over the filling to fill the mold completely. Close the top half of the taiyaki mold and place it over medium heat. Cook, flipping the mold occasionally, to ensure even browning. Taiyaki can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it and adjust the heat as needed. Regularly opening, closing, and flipping the mold is key to achieving perfectly golden and delicious taiyaki.
Step 11
I prefer my taiyaki slightly darker for extra crispiness, but feel free to adjust the cooking time to your preference. Once cooked, carefully transfer the taiyaki to a wire rack to cool and allow excess steam to escape. Trim any excess batter from the edges for a neat finish. Your delicious 4-flavor taiyaki is now complete! Enjoy these warm, homemade treats.
