This dish is called ‘Ikayaki’ in Japanese. It’s a Squid version of ‘Takoyaki’, that is ball-shaped Japanese savoury cake and commonly filled with cooked Octopus. However, ‘Ikayaki’ is not ball-shaped. It’s a pancake and rather looks like ‘Okonomiyaki’. It is so easy to make. I like to add plenty of Spring Onion to the batter.

Makes

2 Servings

Ingredients

1 Squid Tube *about 150g Squid
2 Eggs
1 tablespoon Oil
‘Okonomiyaki’ Sauce
Japanese Mayonnaise

Batter
1 & 1/4 cups Water
1/2 teaspoon Dashi Powder *Bonito (Katsuobushi) Type recommended
1 cup Plain Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 to 3 Spring Onions *finely chopped, save some for topping

Method
  1. You can use any parts of Squid. I usually use 1 Squid Tube. Slice or cut into the size that is easy to eat.
  2. Combine all the Batter ingredients in a bowl. Add squid and mix well. You can make 1 large pancake OR 2 pancakes.
  3. Heat Oil in a frying pan over medium heat, pour the batter and form a large pancake. Make a hole (OR 2 holes) in the pancake and place Egg(s) in the hole(s).
  4. When the edges are cook and the bottom is nicely browned, flip the pancake over. As the Egg is not yet cooked at this stage, it’s the easiest to use a large plate. Slide the pancake to the plate, carefully cover it with the hot frying pan, then flip over.
  5. Cook until both sides are nicely browned and Squid pieces are cooked. Transfer onto a serving plate and drizzle some ‘Okonomiyaki’ Sauce and Japanese Mayonnaise over, sprinkle with some chopped Spring Onion, and enjoy it hot.