Making Taiyaki Pastry Pies at home is both fun and rewarding! Taiyaki are traditionally fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings. Here’s a step-by-step recipe for the classic version with sweet red bean paste (anko), along with tips for creating the pastry pie variation.

Ingredients (Makes 6 Taiyaki Pastries)

For the Pastry Batter:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or melted butter)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup sweetened red bean paste (anko)
  (Optional: custard, chocolate, or cream cheese for variations)

For Pastry Pie Dough Version:

• Pre-made puff pastry sheets (thawed)

Special Equipment

• Taiyaki pan (fish-shaped mold, available online or in specialty stores)

Steps to Make Classic Taiyaki Batter Version

1. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
   • In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vegetable oil.
   • Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.

2. Preheat the Taiyaki Pan:

   • Heat the pan over medium-low heat. Lightly grease both sides of the mold with oil or non-stick spray.

3. Assemble Taiyaki:

   • Pour a thin layer of batter into one side of the mold, ensuring it covers the fish shape.
   • Add a spoonful of red bean paste (or your preferred filling) to the center.
   • Pour a little more batter on top to cover the filling.

4. Cook the Taiyaki:

   • Close the mold and cook on medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip the pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
   • Check for a golden-brown color and adjust the cooking time as needed.

5. Serve:

   • Once cooked, remove from the pan and let cool slightly before serving.

Steps for Taiyaki Pastry Pie Version

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

   • Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly and cut into rectangles or fish shapes using a stencil.

2. Assemble the Pies:

   • Place a piece of pastry on the Taiyaki mold (or a flat baking tray for non-molded pies).
   • Add a small scoop of red bean paste or other filling in the center.
   • Cover with another piece of pastry, pressing gently to seal the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges if desired.

3. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Brush the pastries with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp water) for a golden finish.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

4. Cool and Serve:

   • Let the pies cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Tips

• Use store-bought anko or make it by boiling azuki beans with sugar.
• Experiment with fillings like Nutella, jam, matcha custard, or savory options like cheese and ham.
• For extra crispiness in pastry pies, sprinkle sugar or sesame seeds on top before baking.