Description

Okonomiyaki is a beloved savory Japanese pancake that brings together a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. This dish, which translates to “grilled as you like it,” allows for a lot of creativity in terms of ingredients, making it easy to personalize to your taste. Originating from the Kansai region of Japan, Okonomiyaki is typically prepared on a griddle and served with tasty toppings such as Okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and mayonnaise. It can be enjoyed as a main course, snack, or appetizer—perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or a casual meal. Whether you enjoy it with pork, shrimp, or a vegetarian option, Okonomiyaki is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Okonomiyaki batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour (or Okonomiyaki flour for authenticity) 🌾
2 large eggs 🥚
1/2 cup dashi stock (or water for a simpler alternative) 🌿
1/4 cup grated nagaimo (optional for extra fluffiness)
2 cups shredded cabbage 🥬
1/4 cup cooked pork belly or shrimp (optional, but adds great flavor) 🍖🦐
1/4 cup cooked or pickled ginger (optional) 🍣
Vegetable oil (for frying) 🛢️

For the Toppings:

2 tablespoons Okonomiyaki sauce 🍶
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie works best) 🍥
1/4 cup bonito flakes (for umami flavor) 🐟
Chopped green onions (for garnish) 🌿

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Okonomiyaki Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and dashi stock until smooth. If you are using nagaimo, grate it finely and add it to the bowl. The nagaimo will help create a light and airy texture for the pancake. 🥄

Step 2: Add the Cabbage and Meat/Seafood

Toss the shredded cabbage into the batter and stir it well, ensuring the cabbage is evenly coated. The cabbage will provide a crunch and balance the richness of the other ingredients. Next, mix in your choice of meat, such as pork belly or shrimp (or any other fillings you’d like). 🥩🦐

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Heat a large non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Okonomiyaki

Pour the batter into the pan, using a spatula to spread it into a circular shape about 1-inch thick. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes on one side. Use a spatula to carefully flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring it forms a golden-brown crust. 🎯

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Once the Okonomiyaki is fully cooked, drizzle Okonomiyaki sauce on top. Add a swirl of mayonnaise and sprinkle bonito flakes and chopped green onions for garnish. Slice and serve hot. 🍽️

Notes

Customizing the Okonomiyaki: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Popular additions include cheese, kimchi, or vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
Gluten-Free Version: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Dashi Stock: Dashi is a Japanese soup stock that adds rich flavor to Okonomiyaki. You can make it from scratch or use a ready-made powder for convenience.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly Okonomiyaki, simply omit the meat and seafood. You can add extra vegetables like sweet potatoes or tofu for protein.

Prep Time: 15 minutes – Preparing the batter and chopping the vegetables.
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes – Cooking the Okonomiyaki pancake until golden and cooked through.
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese 🏯

Nutrition

Calories: 400-500 kcal (depending on the fillings)
Sodium: 500–700mg
Fat: 15–20g
Carbohydrates: 40–50g
Fiber: 3–4g
Protein: 18–20g