Have you ever wondered why a small fish-shaped cake became one of Japan’s most loved street sweets? Taiyaki looks playful on the outside, but inside it holds warm, comforting flavors that people of all ages enjoy. This simple dessert proves that good food does not need to be complicated to be special.

Table of Contents

Why This Taiyaki Recipe Is Special

This homemade Taiyaki recipe is simple, flexible, and beginner-friendly. It uses basic ingredients that are easy to find, and the batter comes together quickly without special tools.

What makes this recipe special is its balance. The batter is light and soft, while the filling can be changed to match your taste. You can keep it traditional with red bean paste or try modern fillings like chocolate or custard.

Quick Facts Easy Taiyaki Recipe (たい焼き)

Difficulty

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Easy

Total Time

40–45 minutes including resting time

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

Key Ingredients (材料)

Taiyaki たい焼き

These simple ingredients create the soft batter and crisp edges that make homemade taiyaki so enjoyable. Each card explains why the ingredient matters and how you can adjust it if needed.

1

Cake Flour (200g)

Cake flour gives taiyaki its light and tender texture. It helps the batter cook evenly without becoming heavy or dense.

2

Baking Powder & Baking Soda

These leavening agents help the batter rise gently, giving taiyaki a soft inside and a lightly crisp outside.

3

Milk & Water (100ml each)

This combination keeps the batter smooth and pourable while balancing richness and lightness.

4

Egg (1 piece)

The egg binds the batter together and adds structure, helping taiyaki hold its fish shape.

5

Sugar & Salt

A small amount of sugar adds gentle sweetness, while salt balances the flavor and enhances the filling.

6

Fillings (as you like)

Red bean paste is traditional, while chocolate and custard offer modern variations that many people enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter Base

In a bowl, mix the beaten egg, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth. Add the milk and water, then stir gently until well combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Rest

Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add this mixture little by little to the wet ingredients while mixing. Once smooth, cover the bowl and let the batter rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Fill the Taiyaki Mold

Heat the taiyaki pan over low to medium heat and lightly oil it. Pour a thin layer of batter into the mold. Add about 1.5 tablespoons of your chosen filling in the center, then pour a small amount of batter on top to cover.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Close the mold and cook for about 5 minutes, turning once if needed. Cook until both sides are golden brown. Each taiyaki should hold about 50 to 53g of filling.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

These practical tips will help you make golden, well-shaped, and evenly cooked taiyaki every time:

• ♥
  Let the batter rest before cooking
  Resting the batter allows the flour to hydrate fully, which helps create a smoother texture and better browning.
• ♥
  Keep the heat low to medium
  Taiyaki cooks best slowly. Gentle heat prevents burning while allowing the inside to cook through evenly.
• ♥
  Do not overfill with batter or filling
  Too much batter or filling can cause leaking and uneven shapes. A balanced amount keeps the fish mold clean and neat.
• ♥
  Lightly oil the pan each time
  A thin layer of oil helps release the taiyaki easily and gives the surface a crisp, golden finish.
• ♥
  Flip gently and cook evenly
  Turning the mold carefully ensures both sides cook evenly and keeps the fish shape sharp and defined.

Assembly and Presentation

Taiyaki is assembled directly in the mold, making it simple and clean.

• Always add batter first, then filling, then batter again
• Keep the filling centered to avoid spills
• Serve warm for best texture

For presentation, arrange taiyaki on a simple plate or wooden tray. The fish shape already looks decorative, so extra garnish is not needed.

Recipe Variations

Taiyaki is very flexible, and you can easily adjust the filling, batter, or presentation to suit your taste. Here are some simple ways to customize your homemade Taiyaki たい焼き:

1

Try Different Fillings

Change the filling to create new flavors:

• Sweet red bean paste for a classic taste
• Chocolate for a rich and modern option
• Custard for a smooth and creamy center

2

Flavor the Batter

Add mild flavors directly to the batter:

• Vanilla extract for gentle sweetness
• Cocoa powder for chocolate taiyaki
• Matcha powder for a light tea flavor

3

Adjust Size and Thickness

You can change the look and texture easily:

• Use less batter for thinner, crisp taiyaki
• Add slightly more batter for a softer center
• Make smaller taiyaki for bite-size servings

4

Try New Serving Styles

Serve taiyaki in different ways depending on the occasion:

• Serve warm as a street-style snack
• Pair with tea or coffee for dessert
• Cut in half to show the filling for presentation

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Taiyaki: Use dark or milk chocolate for a rich center
• Custard Taiyaki: Smooth and creamy with a soft bite
• Mixed Filling: Combine red bean and custard for contrast
• Mini Taiyaki: Use smaller molds for bite-size snacks

These variations make taiyaki suitable for many tastes and occasions.

More Japanese Recipes to Try

If you enjoy making Taiyaki たい焼き, you may also like other traditional Japanese sweets that are simple and comforting. Japanese Dorayaki (どら焼き) is a soft pancake dessert filled with sweet red bean paste and is perfect for tea time.

Another classic worth trying is Ohagi (Botamochi) おはぎ (ぼたもち), a seasonal rice dessert coated with sweet red bean paste. It is often enjoyed during spring and autumn and has a soft, satisfying texture.

Conclusion

Homemade Taiyaki たい焼き is a simple and enjoyable recipe that brings a classic Japanese treat into your kitchen. With a soft batter, flexible fillings, and easy steps, this recipe works for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The fish-shaped cake is fun to make and satisfying to eat, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying fresh from the pan.

FAQs

Can I make taiyaki without a taiyaki pan?

A taiyaki pan is recommended for the traditional shape, but the batter can be used in other molds if needed.

Is taiyaki healthy?

Taiyaki is a balanced dessert when enjoyed in moderation. It contains protein from eggs and energy from flour and fillings.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, the batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

How do I prevent taiyaki from sticking?

Lightly oil the mold before each batch and keep the heat low.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, sugar can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of the filling.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jp.dishes on Instagram so we can see your delicious creation!