OCTOPUS BALL

A ball-shaped snack or appetizer made of a wheat-flour-based batter and minced or diced octopus (tako) and cooked in a special molded pan. The balls are brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise and then sprinkled with green laver (aonori) and shavings of dried bonito (katsuobushi). It is always fun to watch a takoyaki chef pour the batter in a pan with hemispherical molds and quickly turn the half-cooked takoyaki with a pick. Many young people also enjoy having a takoyaki cooking party at home using a takoyaki grill. It is not easy for amateurs to make perfectly spherical takoyaki though. But you can use the challenge to your advantage. ”Aggh! I couldn’t flip them well...” “Be careful. You can burn your mouth!” Homemade takoyaki can be a savior for a shy Japanese man who doesn’t know how to have a lively conversation with his girlfriend.