Taiyaki (鯛焼き) literally means grilled pargo fish, but in terms of fish, it only has appearance. Taiyaki is a sweet (or savory) cake made with a batter of flour, water, and yeast... It is usually filled with sweet red bean paste (azuki) and grilled in a mold shaped like the pargo fish. Many buy Taiyaki because of its symbolism, as the red pargo fish symbolizes good luck and fortune.
Taiyaki is basically a regular pancake or waffle in the shape of a fish. It is placed on a grill with molds on both sides. It is quite similar to those クレープス. And it is usually grilled until golden brown. It is also similar to imagawayaki, which is a thick round cake also filled with azuki bean paste or cream. This is the famous cake that the character Yami from To Love Ru often eats.
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Facts about Taiyaki
His first appearance was in 1908, in a candy store called Naniwaya in Azabu, Tokyo. Today it can be found anywhere in Japan, but it has gradually lost the shine it used to have. It became even more popular after a single (music) was released in Japan in 1975. The single named Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun tells the story of a taiyaki that got tired of staying in its shape and ran away to the sea.
You can find taiyaki not only with sweet bean paste but also with chocolate, cream, cheese, green tea, and others. The reality is that it provides endless possibilities just like pancakes. They have even invented ice cream, and there are also savory flavors filled with meat and chicken. It is considered a street food and for festivals, but it can be found in markets and food courts. They usually cost about 100 to 300 ienes each. The size depends on where you buy it, but it is generally about 15 cm.
Taiyaki Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of wheat flour;
- 2 eggs; (there are recipes without eggs);
- 5 tablespoons of sugar;
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder;
- 1/2 cup of water;
- 1/2 spoon of salt
How to make:
- Beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy, and gradually add the flour and water;
- Finally add the salt and yeast;
- Heat the form for taiyaki, grease, and pour enough batter to cover the bottom;
- Fill the way you want and cover with a little more dough, close the shape, turn, bake until golden on both sides;
Some had the idea of buying a form of taiyaki and selling it at fairs in Brazil instead of the traditional Swiss crepe, maybe this is an option for you. So it's easy to find them at events about Japan and anime. Have you had the chance to try it out? Tell us your experience in the comments and share this article with your friends.
