Cheeseburger Taiyaki

What is the most dangerous thing you bought for your kitchen this year? For me, it’s my taiyaki pan. It’s clearly one of the most dangerous things in my arsenal because of all the insane things I could make with it.

Here’s a recipe for a savory taiyaki–cheeseburger flavored! My kids LOVED it and each devoured one immediately.

I have so many more ideas for fillings that taiyaki will have its own category at this point!

This batter is not a taiyaki batter–it’s not as heavy/cake-y and instead is light and sweet, almost like a pancake. It makes it perfect for pairing with savory stuffings.

This recipe makes 8 taiyaki. Don’t overmix the batter or else it may become too dense. If it still is dense and you are sure you didn’t overmix it, your baking powder may be too old.

Recipe for Batter

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil/spray for the pan.

1. Combine all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar) and combine with the wet ingredients (egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.)
2. Place into a container that makes pouring into the mold easy (I used a ladle.)
3. Heat taiyaki pan on medium heat. Oil the pan and fill taiyaki pan halfway with batter. Place a scoop of cheeseburger stuffing and cover with more batter. Close the pan and allow to cook on that side for 4 minutes. Turn and allow the other side to cook for 4 minutes. The batter will expand so your pan might open on its own–keep it closed.
4. Remove and enjoy! Be careful, it will be hot!

Cheeseburger Stuffing Recipe

• 1 ground beef patty, or 1/4 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 3 tablespoons diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 tablespoons diced tomato
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese of your choice

1. In a pan over medium heat, sautee onion and garlic in butter until fragrant. Add tomato, ketchup, and ground beef or beef patty–breaking up the patty into small pieces.
2. Cook until beef is browned. Remove from heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix with shredded cheese and put to the side to use as taiyaki stuffing.