Takoyaki is a representative food in Kansai Region (western part) of Japan.
Takoyaki is a snack that is popular among all ages and not a few people have Takoyaki partis very often. If you have a Takoyaki pan, you can make authentic Takoyaki at home. In fact, Takoyaki pan can be used for other dishes.
Today we are going to show you how to cook ajillo with a Takoyaki pan.
Ingredients
Whatever will do for ingredients of ajillo. You can choose anything you like. This time we use 7 typical ingredients for ajillo.
- Shrimps
- Scallops
- Red/yellow bell peppers
- Broccolis
- Mushrooms
- Sausages
- Camembert cheese
Other than above, you can use oysters, octopuses, avocados, potatoes, garlics, etc.
In addition, olive oil, salt and black pepper are needed. If you like it spicy, red pepper can also be added.
How to Cook
Here’s a recipe for ajillo cooked with a Takaoyaki pan. It is a very simple but exciting menu. You can try it when having a party.
1. Cut the ingredients.
Cut the ingredients to the size that can fit in each hole of the Takoyaki pan. There is no need for seasoning or any advance preparation. All you need is to cut the ingredients, and that’s all for preparation.
2. Prepare for the Takoyaki pan
Place the Takoyaki pan on the gas stove and pour olive oil in each hole – up to 2/3 of the hole. At this time, the gas stove should be off.
3. Put the ingredients to heat.
Once pouring olive oil, put the ingredients in. You can put anything anywhere you want to. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper and finally turn the heat on. Start with low heat to cook slowly.
When the ingredients get well-cooked with fine bubbles around, they are ready to eat.
Attraction of Ajillo Cooked with Takoyaki Pan
What is fun for cooking ajillo with a Takoyaki pan is you can arrange combination of the ingredients as you like, such as shrimp with mushroom, scallop with garlic, broccoli with cheese, etc. You would never be bored. It is recommended either for party or simple dinner.
Pour additional olive oil when needed.
Also, the oil in which the ingredients were cooked contains good flavor extracted from the ingredients. Add a little salt and it turns delicious dip sauce for bucket. You will have an unforgettable experience. This is the best attraction of ajillo.
Recommended Takoyaki Pans
Either for cooking Takoyaki or for cooking ajillo, cast iron Takoyaki pans are recommended. In particular, Nambu cast ironware, which is a craftwork of Iwate Prefecture, doesn’t give off metal smell. It is used not only for pans but also for teaware.
Iron Takoyaki pans have good heat retention and prevent the oil getting cool. This makes it possible to extract good smell and flavor from the ingredients. Takoyaki pan is a convenient tool as it is also essential when cooking Takoyaki.
Globalkitchen Japan sells Nambu cast iron Takoyaki pans, and you can check them out.
