Delicious Taiyaki Recipe: Make Authentic Japanese Fish Desserts

Published: October 7, 2025

by Hannah Reed

Why You'll Love This Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

This incredible Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert) transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert):

2 teaspoons vegetable oil – For greasing the pan, ensuring your Taiyaki releases easily without sticking.
75 grams cake flour (about ½ cup) – This will provide the base structure, giving the cake its soft and delightful texture.
25 grams shiratamako (about 2 tablespoons) – A glutinous rice flour that brings a chewy and authentic quality to the Taiyaki.
¼ teaspoon baking powder – This helps the batter rise beautifully, creating a light and airy dessert.
¼ teaspoon baking soda – A pinch of this will enhance the texture of your batter even further.
½ cup milk – Adds moisture, helping create that luscious cake consistency.
2 tablespoons cultured unsalted butter – Rich flavor and moisture; make sure it’s melted and slightly cooled.
1 tablespoon honey – Offers a natural sweetness that complements the other flavors nicely.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of this enhances the overall flavor profile, making it more aromatic.
120 grams anko – The star of the show! This sweet red bean paste is the traditional filling that brings a unique taste to your Taiyaki.

How to Make Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert):

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
Gather your Taiyaki pan and a few utensils. Make sure your pan is clean and ready for use, as any residual stick will disturb the delightful cooking process.

Step 2: Make the Oil Prep
Take a paper towel and ball it up tightly. Soak it in the vegetable oil and use this to grease the Taiyaki mold. This step ensures the batter won’t stick and guarantees a beautiful golden finish.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, shiratamako, baking powder, and baking soda. Sifting helps to aerate the ingredients, giving your batter a fluffier texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk, cultured unsalted butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Microwave for about 50 seconds, then whisk until the butter is fully melted and combined with the other ingredients.

Step 5: Create the Batter
Combine the wet and dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Remember, a nice, smooth batter is the key to irresistible Taiyaki!

Step 6: Cook the Taiyaki
Heat both sides of your Taiyaki pan to about 285°F (140°C). Add one tablespoon of batter to each side of the mold, spreading it with a pastry brush. After the batter has slightly set, flip the pan so the top half is over the heat. Then repeat by adding more batter, making space for that sweet anko filling.

Step 7: Add the Filling and Finish Cooking
Once the batter is in place, add a heaping tablespoon of anko down the center. Gently press it down, then pour over another generous tablespoon of batter. Close the mold and flip the pan over. Cook for 2 minutes, flip again and cook for another 2 minutes, or until your Taiyaki turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Make sure to let your Taiyaki cool slightly before digging in — it’s hard to resist the temptation of that warm, sweet filling! Serve these lovely fish-shaped treats drizzled with chocolate or dusted with powdered sugar for a fun twist.

Enjoy this journey into the flavors of Japan right from your kitchen! With each bite of this Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert), you’ll create sweet memories and possibly some messy smiles too.

You Must Know About Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

This showstopping Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert) delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert) Cooking Process

The best sequence for perfect Taiyaki involves preparing the batter first while the Taiyaki pan heats up. This ensures the pan is ready when your batter is mixed, allowing for a smooth and efficient cooking process resulting in crispy, golden fish-shaped treats.

Add Your Touch to Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

Get creative! Substitute the anko with custard, Nutella, or even fresh fruit for a unique twist. You can also experiment with flavored batters by adding matcha or cocoa powder, allowing you to customize each Taiyaki to your taste.

Storing & Reheating Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

Store any leftover Taiyaki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply place them in a toaster oven for a few minutes until they’re warm and crisp again, ensuring you retain that delightful texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

This professional-quality Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert) relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes, I think about the first time I made Taiyaki for my friends. Their faces lit up at the first bite, and I knew I had created something special. The laughter and joy made every bit of effort absolutely worthwhile.

FAQs About Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

What is Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)?

Taiyaki is a delightful Japanese fish-shaped pastry that’s often filled with sweet fillings like anko, a smooth red bean paste. The name “Taiyaki” literally means “grilled sea bream,” reflecting its fish shape. Originating in Japan in the early 1900s, it has become a popular snack and street food, characterized by its crispy exterior and warm, gooey interior. Whether enjoyed at a food stall or made at home, Taiyaki is more than just a treat; it’s a charming experience that evokes the joy of Japanese culture and tradition.

How is Taiyaki made?

Making Taiyaki starts with preparing a simple batter using ingredients like cake flour, milk, and eggs. Once the batter is whisked to a smooth consistency, you preheat a specialized Taiyaki pan. Add a layer of batter, fill it with your chosen filling—commonly anko—and cover it with more batter. Then, grill the pastry until it’s golden brown and crispy. The cooking process is key to achieving that perfect exterior while keeping the inside melty and delicious.

What can I use instead of anko in Taiyaki?

While traditional Taiyaki is filled with anko, you can get creative with various fillings! Popular alternatives include custard, Nutella, dulce de leche, or even fresh fruits like strawberries and bananas. The versatility of the Taiyaki batter allows for endless possibilities. Feel free to experiment with flavored batters too, such as matcha or chocolate, to create unique combinations that suit your taste and make your dessert extraordinary.

Can Taiyaki be made in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare Taiyaki in advance by making the batter and filling ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to cook them fresh as they tend to lose some of their crispiness when stored. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat them in a toaster oven to restore that delicious crunch.

Conclusion for Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert)

Taiyaki (Japanese Fish Dessert) is a delightful treat that marries creativity with tradition, offering both a fun cooking experience and a delicious snack. With its crispy exterior and sweet fillings, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and fillings to make the dish uniquely yours. Remember, whether made for a casual weekend gathering or a special occasion, Taiyaki will bring joy to any occasion and quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!