Vegan Baked Takoyaki

 Takoyaki is one of Japan’s most iconic street foods - small, round, savory bites filled with flavor and topped with bold sauces. Traditionally, takoyaki is made with octopus and cooked in a special pan, but this plant-based version captures the same spirit in a lighter, homemade way.

Instead of seafood, mushrooms, and nori bring deep umami and subtle ocean-like notes. Chives add a fresh, onion-like lift, and a simple batter keeps everything soft inside while baking into golden little balls.

The best part? These are baked, not fried, making them lighter but still delicious. 

It's perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack! :)

---

Takoyaki 

---

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

---

Ingredients

• 180 g corn flour 

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 250 ml vegetable broth (unsalted or lightly salted)

• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari

• 80 g mushrooms, finely diced (shiitake or button)

• 1 sheet nori, cut into small flakes

• 2 tbsp finely chopped chives

• Some chopped veggies (e.g., cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, etc.)

Ideas for topping:

• Vegan takoyaki sauce (or mix ketchup + soy sauce + a touch of maple syrup)

• Vegan mayonnaise

• Teriyaki sauce

• Chives

• Extra nori flakes or strips

• Toasted sesame seeds

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease or line a mini-muffin tin with parchment liners.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, broth, and soy sauce until smooth.

3. Fold in mushrooms, nori flakes, chives, and carrot (or cabbage).

4. Spoon batter evenly into mini-muffin molds, filling each about ¾ full.

5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and firm on top.

6. Let cool slightly, then drizzle with vegan mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce. Finish with sesame seeds and extra nori before serving.

---

Notes

• Chives maintain a delicate and fresh flavor, baking more gently than onions.

• For the best texture, serve the dish straight from the oven while it's still warm.

• If you don’t have nori sheets, dulse flakes, or seaweed snacks also work.

• Adjust fillings to your taste - zucchini, corn, or even tofu cubes can be folded in.

---

Nutritional Information (per 1 ball, based on 12 balls)

• Calories: ~90 kcal

• Protein: ~2.4 g

• Fat: ~1.2 g

• Carbohydrates: ~15.5 g

• Fiber: ~1.7 g

---