Why Does Takoyaki Move? Explained

Have you ever wondered why does takoyaki move? The bonito flakes on your takoyaki dish seem to come alive and dance?

Well, fear not, there’s no need to be put off by it!

The movement of the bonito flakes is not due to any living organisms, but rather a natural reaction to the heat of the takoyaki.

In this article, we will delve into the process of making bonito flakes, explain the reason behind their movement, and reassure you that there is nothing yucky about it.

Get ready to uncover the secret behind why does your takoyaki move!

Key Takeaways

• Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food made with octopus as the main filling.
• The movement of bonito flakes on takoyaki is due to the hot surface of the balls.
• Bonito flakes are thin shavings of dehydrated fish that rehydrate and move when they come in contact with hot steamy food.
• The movement of bonito flakes is purely a visual effect and does not indicate any living organisms.

       

Why Does Takoyaki Move: The Science Behind the Movement

Takoyaki is a popular ball shaped Japanese snack. The outside is made of what flour based batter and the insides have octopus filling.

Why does takoyaki move?

The movement of takoyaki is caused by the hot surface of the balls, which makes the bonito flakes on top visually appear as if they’re alive.

The movement of bonito flakes is actually a natural reaction to the heat.

You see, bonito flakes are thin shavings of dehydrated fish.

When they come in contact with the steamy hot food, the layers of the flakes rehydrate in different directions and at different rates.

This creates a mesmerizing dance-like movement as the flakes continuously shift and sway.

However, it’s important to note that this movement is purely a visual effect and doesn’t indicate any living organisms.

So, rest assured that there’s nothing to worry about.

Simply enjoy your takoyaki and appreciate the delightful spectacle of the moving bonito flakes on top.

It’s all part of the unique experience of indulging in this delicious Japanese street food.

       

What are Bonito Flakes And What Makes Them Move

Now that you know why does takoyaki move, you may be wondering what bonito flakes are and what causes them to move on takoyaki.

Bonito flakes are thin shavings of dehydrated fish. They’re made from dried bonito fish that undergoes a specific production process.

The fish is cleaned, cut into pieces, and boiled for a certain time at the appropriate temperature.

After boiling, small bones are removed, and the pieces are smoked, sun-dried, and baked.

Finally, the smoked pieces are shaved into flakes.

When the hot steamy food comes in contact with the bonito flakes, the layers of the flakes rehydrate in different directions and at different rates.

This causes the flakes to move continuously until they’re completely soaked in moisture.

So, when you see those bonito flakes dancing on top of your takoyaki, don’t worry! It’s just a natural reaction to the heat.

It may look like the flakes are alive, but they’re not.

The movement is simply a result of the flakes absorbing moisture from the hot food.

You can also make them at home using the following recipe:

• Cut fresh bonito fish into pieces and boil them for 1.5-2.5 hours at the appropriate temperature.
• Remove small bones using tweezers and smoke the pieces using oak or cherry blossom.
• Sun-dry and bake the pieces multiple times before shaving them into flakes.

Conclusion

Now that you know why does takoyaki move, you can enjoy it in peace.

Do not have second thoughts about consuming alive fish.

Enjoy this delectable Japanese snack that is soft and gooey from the inside and crunchy from the outside.