Can I use takoyaki flour for okonomiyaki? Tips for the right flavor
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Read for freeIf you enjoy Asian cooking, it’s likely you have heard of okonomiyaki. This is a Japanese-style pancake that is often used in Konamon (flour-based Japanese cuisine).
Okonomiyaki flour is commonly used to prepare the dish. But what if you only have Takoyaki flour on hand? Can that be used as a substitute?
Read on to find out.
Okay, so now we come to the spoiler alert part of the article.
This is where we provide the answer to the question you have all been waiting for…can you use Takoyaki flour for okonomiyaki?
You can use takoyaki flour for okonomiyaki, and not only that, but you can use okonomiyaki flour for Takoyaki. However, there are some things to be aware of when switching things up in these recipes, like the spices used.
It’s best and most authentic to use specially made okonomiyaki flour to get the right flavor, and I’ll talk about those seasonings in the flour some more in this article.
My favorite okonomiyaki flour brand is this one from Otafuku.
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What is Okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is a type of Japanese pancake that features a variety of ingredients in a wheat flour-based batter.
The name is derived from the word okonomi which means “how you like” or “what you like”. Yaki means ‘cooked’ and it is generally used to describe foods that are fried.
Okonomiyaki is mainly associated with the Kansai or Hiroshima regions of Japan, but it is available throughout the country and it is made with a variety of toppings and batters that vary according to region.
Also read: how to make the best okonomiyaki
What is Takoyaki?
Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack or appetizer. It is made of wheat flour-based batter and it is cooked in a special molded pan.
It is filled with a variety of ingredients that typically include minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and shaved onion.
The balls are then brushed with Takoyaki sauce (which is similar to Worcestershire sauce) and mayonnaise. They are then sprinkled with green laver and dried bonito.
Takoyaki flour is typically used in this dish.
Here’s how to make a takoyaki flour mix:
Takoyaki flour vs. okonomiyaki flour
Okonomiyaki flour is made of unbleached wheat and soy flour and it uses spices like kelp for flavor.
It rises on its own without adding extra ingredients and it is designed to make it easy to get the thick fluffy pancakes you crave.
Takoyaki flour, on the other hand, has a well-seasoned soy sauce flavor that provides Takoyaki with the savory batter that makes it delicious.
Therefore, it may give your okonomiyaki dish a slightly different flavor. You may also have to add egg and water to get the right consistency.
Well, there you have it, the answer to your question.
There are some variations between Takoyaki and okonomiyaki flours, but they are interchangeable in their signature dishes.
How will you be experimenting with the ingredients in these exotic meals?
Read more: how to make the best okonomiyaki sauce to accompany your dish?
Check out our new cookbook
Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:
Read for free
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
