Get ready to make delicious taiyaki with Jun’s Kitchen step-by-step guide, inspired by the authentic Japanese sweets box from Sakuraco!
In this video, Jun from Jun’s Kitchen—a YouTube channel beloved for its calming, beautifully filmed cooking videos featuring traditional Japanese recipes and his cats—shares a delightful recipe for making taiyaki, the iconic fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste. This recipe is inspired by his collaboration with Sakuraco, a Japanese snack box that curates authentic treats and cultural experiences from Japan. Jun, who also co-hosts the popular channel Rachel and Jun with his wife, brings his love for Japanese food and culture into a fun, hands-on cooking experience perfect for viewers worldwide.
What is taiyaki?
Taiyaki (たい焼き) is a traditional Japanese cake shaped like a fish, specifically a sea bream (“tai” in Japanese), a symbol of good luck and celebration. A popular Japanese street snack that features a crisp fish-shaped pastry filled with various fillings, including red bean paste, chocolate cream, fruits, or matcha. It’s a fun and customizable treat, and in this video, Jun takes us through his own delicious twist on the classic recipe.
Curious to try making this delicious treat yourself?
With Jun’s easy-to-follow instructions, you can make homemade taiyaki that looks just as delicious as it tastes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend activity or want to explore Japanese cuisine fun and creatively, making taiyaki is an ideal activity to share with family or friends.
Ingredients Used in Jun’s Taiyaki
Jun prepares a homemade red bean paste, a sweet batter, and a variety of fillings to make the perfect taiyaki. If you’re feeling inspired to try it out in your own kitchen, here’s what you’ll need to recreate his recipe at home:
Red Bean Paste
- 200g red beans
- 100g sugar (adjustable to taste, the typical ratio of beans and sugar is 1:1, but feel free to adjust the sweetness)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Water (for boiling the beans)
Taiyaki Batter
- 150g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 100ml milk
- 100ml water
- 30g sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp canola oil
Fillings
- 75g chocolate
- 50ml heavy cream
- Any fruits you like (e.g., strawberries, blueberries)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Taiyaki with Jun’s Kitchen
1. Making the Red Bean Paste
- Jun starts by rinsing the red beans and boiling them to soften.
- After draining the beans, he boils them again to remove any bitterness.
- He then mashes the beans into a smooth paste and mixes in sugar to create a sweet filling for the taiyaki.
2. Preparing the Taiyaki Batter
- Jun begins by combining egg, milk, sugar, and salt in a bowl to make the wet mixture.
- In a separate bowl, he combines flour and baking powder, then gradually adds the wet mixture to the dry ingredients.
- He gently mixes everything to avoid lumps, using a strainer to ensure the batter is smooth.
- The batter rests for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Preparing the Fillings
- Jun combines frozen strawberries with warm heavy cream to make a creamy fruit filling.
- He also prepares chocolate cream for those who want a richer, chocolaty version of taiyaki.
4. Cooking the Taiyaki
- Jun heats a taiyaki pan on low heat and greases it with butter to prevent sticking.
- He pours a small batter into the mold, adds the red bean paste, fruit, and chocolate cream fillings, and covers it all with more batter.
- The taiyaki cooks on low heat until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Once they’re done, the taiyaki look perfectly golden and ready to be enjoyed fresh off the pan. Whether you choose the classic red bean or the rich chocolate and fruit combo, each bite is a warm, comforting taste of Japan.
Jun’s taiyaki recipe is a fun and creative way to experience Japanese sweets, and it’s made even better with the help of Sakuraco’s traditional Japanese snack boxes. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, making taiyaki at home is a fun activity perfect for a rainy day or sharing with family and friends.
Sakuraco and More Traditional Japanese Sweets
In the video, Jun also highlights Sakuraco, the subscription box service that inspired his taiyaki recipe. Sakuraco delivers authentic Japanese sweets and snacks sourced from local makers throughout Japan. Each box includes a variety of traditional treats, and even a booklet that explains the sweets inside. Taiyaki is one of the authentic Japanese treats you might find in a Sakuraco box. It’s a great example of the fun and authentic Japanese snack experience Sakuraco loves bringing to your doorstep.
If you want to experience the true taste of Japanese culture, Jun invites you to explore Sakuraco’s artisan Japanese snack box. Sign up today to receive your box of authentic treats— including the delicious taiyaki!
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
Want to see the step-by-step magic for yourself?
Jun’s video captures the fun and relaxing vibe of making taiyaki, turning each step into an enjoyable experience and showing off the tasty results at the end. It’s a perfect mix of chill cooking and yummy treats!👉 Watch “Taiyaki (Japanese Fish-Shaped Cake) – JunsKitchen” on YouTube
