Akashiyaki

Akashiyaki is a small round dumpling from the city of Akashi in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The dumpling is made of an egg-rich batter and octopus dipped into a dashi (soup) before eating. It is sometimes considered to be an early form of Takoyaki.

History

The origins of Akashiyaki are said to date back to the Edo period (1603–1868), when it was a popular food among fishermen in the Akashi region. The dish was originally known as Tamagoyaki, which means "grilled egg". It was later renamed Akashiyaki in honor of its place of origin.

Preparation

Akashiyaki is made by mixing flour, eggs, and Dashi to create a batter. Small pieces of octopus are then added to the batter. The mixture is poured into a special pan with half-spherical molds and cooked until golden brown. The dumplings are turned with a skewer to ensure they cook evenly. Once cooked, they are typically served with a side of dashi for dipping.

Relation to Takoyaki

While Akashiyaki and Takoyaki are similar in appearance and ingredients, there are key differences between the two dishes. Akashiyaki has a softer, more egg-like texture and is dipped in dashi before eating, while Takoyaki has a slightly crispier exterior and is typically served with sauce and mayonnaise.

See also

• Japanese cuisine
• List of dumplings
• List of seafood dishes