Name: Vegan Takoyaki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color, optional); 1 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing the takoyaki pan); 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake or king oyster preferred); 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions; 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage; 1 tsp pickled ginger (optional); Vegan mayo (for topping); Vegan takoyaki sauce or tonkatsu sauce (for topping); Finely chopped nori or aonori (dried seaweed flakes, for garnish); Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Vegan Takoyaki Recipe Recipe

This vegan version captures all the delicious textures and flavors of classic takoyaki while staying completely plant-based. It’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to explore Japanese cuisine at home. With simple ingredients and a fun cooking process, these golden balls are sure to impress at gatherings, as a snack, or even as a party appetizer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Vegan Dashi

• Kombu (edible kelp) – 3 pieces (2-inch)
• Dried shiitake mushrooms – 4 pieces
• Mushroom seasoning – 2 teaspoons
• Water – 2 cups

Vegan Takoyaki Batter & Filling

• All-purpose flour – 1 cup
• Vegan dashi – 1 ¼ cups
• Rice vinegar or white vinegar – ½ teaspoon
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon
• Green onion
• Beni shōga (red pickled ginger)
• Rehydrated shiitake mushrooms

Sauce Toppings

• Vegan mayonnaise
• Vegetarian Bull-Dog sauce
• Optional aonori or seaweed flakes

Directions

Prepare the vegan dashi: In a saucepan, combine kombu, dried shiitake mushrooms, mushroom seasoning, and water. Heat gently until it almost boils, then simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain through a mesh sieve into a bowl, reserving the mushrooms for the filling.
Prep the filling: Chop the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms into small pieces. Finely slice green onions and pickled ginger.
Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, vegan dashi, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth and thin.
Heat the takoyaki pan: Preheat over medium heat and brush generously with oil.
Cook the takoyaki: Pour batter into the cavities of the pan, even if it overflows. Add 2–3 shiitake pieces to each cavity, then sprinkle with green onions and pickled ginger.
Turn the balls: After about 3–4 minutes, use a wooden skewer to break the batter between cavities and rotate each section to form balls. Continue turning until golden and crispy on all sides.
Add toppings: Transfer to a plate and top with vegan mayonnaise, Bull-Dog sauce, and aonori or seaweed flakes as desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 pieces
Preparation time: ~15 minutes
Cooking time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Add crunch: Sprinkle vegan tempura scraps (tenkasu) into the batter for extra texture.
• Alternative fillings: Use diced firm tofu or finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or corn.
• Spicy twist: Mix chili flakes or finely chopped chili into the batter.
• Sauce alternatives: Try teriyaki, spicy mayo, or homemade vegan takoyaki sauce for different flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place leftover takoyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at about 175 °C (350 °F) for 5–10 minutes to help retain crispiness.

FAQs

What is vegan takoyaki?

Vegan takoyaki is a plant-based version of the traditional Japanese street food originally made with octopus. Mushrooms or other vegan substitutes replace seafood while preserving texture and flavor.

Can I make this without a takoyaki pan?

Yes, you can use a cake pop or mini muffin pan as an alternative, though the shape may not be perfectly spherical.

What are good vegan fillings besides mushrooms?

Try tofu, tempeh, diced vegetables, or plant-based seafood alternatives for varied textures.

Can I make the batter gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or a gluten-free pancake mix.

How long do takoyaki balls take to cook?

They typically take around 7–10 minutes per batch, with frequent turning for even golden color.

What toppings can I use?

Common toppings include vegan takoyaki sauce, vegan mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and optional vegan bonito flakes.

Can this recipe be soy-free?

Yes, use coconut aminos or another soy-free seasoning instead of soy sauce.

Can I bake or air fry them?

Yes, but the texture will differ slightly from the traditional pan-fried version.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, batter can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to cook.

How do I serve vegan takoyaki?

Serve hot with your choice of sauces and garnishes, and be cautious as the interior can be very hot.

Conclusion

This vegan takoyaki recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Osaka street food right to your kitchen while keeping it entirely plant-based. With crispy exteriors, savory fillings, and customizable toppings, it’s a delightful snack for gatherings or solo enjoyment. Whether you’re new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned vegan cook, these takoyaki balls are sure to become a favorite.

Vegan Takoyaki Recipe