Authentic Japanese Negiyaki: A Savory Pancake Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups finely chopped green onions
  • 1 cup thinly sliced pork belly
  • 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 tablespoons okonomiyaki sauce
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons bonito flakes
  • 2 tablespoons aonori (green seaweed flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons pickled ginger

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Gradually add water, while whisking, to avoid lumps. Let the batter sit for an hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Beat the eggs into the batter until well combined. Add the green onions, pork belly, and cabbage to the batter and mix well.
  3. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour half of the batter into the skillet, spreading it out to about a 10-inch circle.
  4. Cook the pancake for about 5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the pancake and cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Transfer the pancake to a plate and spread a layer of okonomiyaki sauce on top. Drizzle the mayonnaise over the sauce.
  6. Sprinkle the pancake with the bonito flakes, aonori, and a dollop of pickled ginger on top.
  7. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and toppings.
  8. Serve the Negiyaki hot, and enjoy!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Use gluten-free flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Instead of pork belly, substitute with thinly sliced chicken or beef.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Add shredded cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as sriracha sauce, teriyaki glaze, or spicy mayo.
  • Include other vegetables like shredded carrots or bean sprouts for added crunch and flavor.
  • Try using kimchi or sauerkraut as a filling for a unique and tangy taste.
  • For a seafood variation, add shrimp or chopped squid to the batter.
  • Make mini negiyaki by using smaller portions of batter and ingredients for bite-sized pancakes.

Recipe overview

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Japan right from your kitchen with this Negiyaki recipe! Negiyaki, a popular Japanese dish, is a type of savory pancake filled with green onions and thinly sliced pork belly. Topped with a variety of condiments like okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, aonori, and pickled ginger, this dish is bursting with flavors and is a delight to the taste buds. Featuring a perfect balance of textures between the crisp exterior and the tender, flavorful interior, this Negiyaki recipe is simple to make, yet impressive enough for guests. Serve it hot and enjoy the authentic tastes of Japanese street food right at home!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use other types of flour such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
  2. Can I omit the pork belly or use a different protein?
    Yes, you can omit the pork belly if you prefer a vegetarian version or use a different protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute.
  3. What can I use as a substitute for okonomiyaki sauce?
    If you don't have okonomiyaki sauce, you can use Worcestershire sauce mixed with a little soy sauce and ketchup as a substitute.
  4. Can I make the batter in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using. Just make sure to give it a good stir before cooking.
  5. Can I freeze leftover Negiyaki?
    While it's best to enjoy Negiyaki fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large mixing bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix the batter and ingredients together.
  • Whisk - A whisk is essential for whisking the batter and ensuring it is smooth and free of lumps.
  • Non-stick skillet - A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking the negiyaki pancakes, preventing them from sticking to the pan.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for flipping the pancake and transferring it to a plate.
  • Plates - Plates are needed for serving the negiyaki pancakes.
  • Okonomiyaki sauce bottle - An okonomiyaki sauce bottle makes it easy to drizzle the sauce over the pancakes.
  • Mayonnaise squeeze bottle - A squeeze bottle for mayonnaise allows for easy and controlled application of the mayonnaise topping.
  • Bonito flakes shaker - A shaker for bonito flakes makes it convenient to sprinkle them evenly over the pancakes.
  • Aonori shaker - Similar to the bonito flakes shaker, an aonori shaker is used to sprinkle the green seaweed flakes over the pancakes.
  • Pickled ginger serving dish - A small dish or bowl is ideal for serving the pickled ginger as a garnish.

Origin stories

Negiyaki, a savory pancake laden with green onions, is a specialty of Osaka, a city known throughout Japan for its love of good food. The name 'Negiyaki' is derived from 'negi', the Japanese word for green onions, and 'yaki' which translates to grilled or cooked. This dish is often compared to okonomiyaki, another popular street food in Osaka, but they are distinct in their own ways. While okonomiyaki has a variety of ingredients mixed into its batter, negiyaki spotlights the flavor of green onions, with a thinner, lighter batter. Today, this dish is not just confined to the streets of Osaka - it has gained global appeal and is enjoyed by food lovers around the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.