Delicious Fish-Shaped Pancakes (Taiyaki)
Delight in the whimsical experience of making and enjoying these delicious fish-shaped pancakes, a traditional Japanese delicacy that captures the hearts of both children and adults. The pancake batter can be easily adapted from your favorite waffle or pancake recipes, making it versatile and fun. For a burst of flavor, we recommend adding sweet, juicy apples, chewy raisins, and crunchy nuts to the batter. These delightful treats not only look impressive but taste even better the following day, thanks to the moisture from the apples and raisins. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a whimsical snack, you can customize these pancakes with different fillings such as chocolate chips, berries, or sweet bean paste to suit your taste. Grab a fish-shaped griddle, and let your creativity flow as you whip up these delightful treats!
N/A
Servings
117
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons (can substitute half with whole wheat flour.)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
3/4 teaspoon (can use brown sugar for a richer flavor.)
salt
1 dash
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
1/4 cup
butter
2 teaspoons (melted (or substitute with oil))
vanilla extract
1 dash
chopped nuts
1/4 cup
raisins
1/4 cup
apple
1/2 (diced into small pieces)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
4
Fold in the diced apple, chopped nuts, raisins, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg gently until evenly distributed.
5
Preheat your fish-shaped pancake iron over medium heat and lightly grease it with a little butter or oil.
6
Pour 1-2 tablespoons of the batter into each side of the fish iron, close it, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7
Remove from the iron and serve warm, optionally with butter, pesto sauce, jam, syrup, or chocolate sauce.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
17g
Carbs
3g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taiyaki?
Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese delicacy consisting of fish-shaped pancakes often filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
What equipment is needed to make these pancakes?
You will need a fish-shaped pancake iron or griddle to achieve the traditional Taiyaki shape.
Can I substitute the flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a different texture.
What type of sugar is best for Taiyaki?
The recipe calls for sugar, but you can use brown sugar if you prefer a richer flavor profile.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, the melted butter can be substituted with an equal amount of oil.
How long do the pancakes take to cook?
They typically cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown.
What extra ingredients are recommended for the batter?
We recommend adding sweet juicy apples, chewy raisins, and crunchy chopped nuts for a burst of flavor.
Do these pancakes store well?
Yes, they actually taste even better the following day because the moisture from the apples and raisins settles into the batter.
What are some alternative filling ideas?
You can customize these with chocolate chips, various berries, or traditional sweet bean paste.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! The whimsical fish shape makes these pancakes a favorite for children and adults alike.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 117 calories.
How much protein is in these Taiyaki?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the pancakes?
There are 17 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 1 gram of fiber.
What spices are used to season the batter?
The batter is seasoned with ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a dash of vanilla extract.
How should I prepare the apples for the batter?
The apples should be diced into very small pieces to ensure they fold evenly into the pancake batter.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of milk, which can be standard dairy milk or your preferred alternative.
How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the iron?
Preheat the iron over medium heat and lightly grease it with a little butter or oil before pouring the batter.
Can I serve these with savory toppings?
Yes, while sweet toppings are common, the recipe suggests they can also be served with pesto sauce.
What sweet toppings do you recommend?
They are delicious served warm with butter, jam, syrup, or chocolate sauce.
How many ingredients are in this Taiyaki recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this specific version of the recipe.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt) in a large mixing bowl.
How much batter should I pour into the iron?
You should pour about 1 to 2 tablespoons of batter into each side of the fish-shaped iron.
Should I mix the wet and dry ingredients all at once?
No, you should whisk the wet ingredients separately and then gradually pour them into the dry ingredients.
Can I use this batter for regular waffles?
Yes, this pancake batter is versatile and can be adapted from or used for your favorite waffle recipes.
What meal is this recipe best for?
These are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a whimsical snack at any time of day.
Do I need to beat the egg?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one beaten egg for the wet ingredient mixture.
What is the texture of these pancakes?
They are soft pancakes with added texture from the crunchy nuts and chewy raisins.
Can I over-mix the batter?
You should be careful not to over-mix; mix gently until the ingredients are just combined for the best results.