Authentic and Delicious Modanyaki: A Japanese Street Food Masterpiece at Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of plain flour
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 large cabbage leaves, finely shredded
  • 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices of thinly cut pork belly
  • 1 cup of cooked yakisoba noodles
  • 4 tablespoons of okonomiyaki sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon of aonori (dried seaweed flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon of katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons of pickled red ginger
  • Oil for cooking

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and water until a smooth batter forms.
  2. Add the eggs to the batter and stir until well combined.
  3. Add the shredded cabbage and sliced spring onions to the batter. Mix well to ensure all the cabbage and onions are coated with the batter.
  4. Heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Pour half of the cabbage and batter mixture into the pan and shape it into a round pancake. Place two slices of pork belly on top of the pancake.
  5. Cook for about 5 minutes until the bottom of the pancake is golden brown. Flip the pancake over and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Push the pancake to one side of the pan and add the cooked yakisoba noodles to the other side. Fry the noodles until they are heated through.
  7. Flip the pancake onto the noodles and press down gently with a spatula. Cook for a further 2 minutes.
  8. Flip the pancake and noodles over one more time and spread 2 tablespoons of okonomiyaki sauce over the top. Add a drizzle of mayonnaise.
  9. Sprinkle with aonori and katsuobushi, then add a handful of pickled red ginger on top.
  10. Repeat steps 4-9 for the second pancake.
  11. When both pancakes are ready, serve hot and enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - for mixing the batter and ingredients
  • Frying pan - for cooking the modanyaki pancakes
  • Spatula - for flipping and pressing down the pancakes
  • Cooking oil - for frying the pancakes
  • Whisk - for mixing the batter ingredients
  • Knife - for shredding the cabbage and slicing the spring onions
  • Cutting board - for preparing the vegetables and pork belly
  • Measuring cup - for accurate measurement of flour and water
  • Tongs - for handling the cooked yakisoba noodles
  • Plates - for serving the modanyaki pancakes
  • Okonomiyaki sauce bottle - for drizzling the sauce over the pancakes

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for a healthier option
  • Replace the pork belly with thinly sliced chicken, beef, or shrimp
  • Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the batter
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables or tofu
  • Create a seafood modanyaki by using seafood such as scallops, squid, or fish instead of meat
  • Try a different sauce such as tonkatsu sauce or homemade teriyaki sauce
  • Add grated cheese on top of the pancake for a cheesy twist
  • Experiment with different seasonings or spices in the batter, such as garlic powder or chili flakes
  • Make mini-sized modanyaki by dividing the batter and ingredients into smaller portions
  • Incorporate kimchi into the batter for a spicy and tangy flavor

Recipe overview

Modanyaki, a delectable treat from Osaka, Japan, is a delicious fusion of okonomiyaki and yakisoba. This savory pancake is filled with cabbage, spring onions, and topped with pork belly before being combined with perfectly cooked yakisoba noodles. The dish is then topped with a rich okonomiyaki sauce, a drizzle of mayonnaise, a sprinkle of aonori and katsuobushi, and a tangy pickled red ginger. Modanyaki is a perfect comfort food and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. This recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of making your own Modanyaki at home. Enjoy the cooking process and the rewarding taste of your homemade Japanese street food!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute for plain flour in this recipe.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork belly? Absolutely! You can use thinly sliced beef, chicken, or even seafood like shrimp or squid as a substitute for pork belly.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can omit the pork belly and use vegetarian or vegan-friendly alternatives. For the batter, you can use plant-based milk instead of eggs, and for toppings, you can use vegan-friendly okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.
  4. Can I add additional vegetables to the modanyaki? Certainly! You can add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the batter mixture for added flavor and texture.
  5. Can I make the batter ahead of time? It is recommended to make the batter fresh for the best results. However, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before using it.
  6. Can I freeze leftover modanyaki? While it's best to consume modanyaki fresh, you can freeze any leftover modanyaki for up to a month. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing.
  7. Can I reheat modanyaki? Yes, you can reheat modanyaki in a frying pan over medium heat until it is warmed through. Avoid using a microwave as it may make the modanyaki soggy.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix the batter and vegetables.
  • Frying pan - A large frying pan is required to cook the modanyaki pancakes.
  • Spatula - A spatula is needed for flipping and pressing down the pancakes.
  • Cooking oil - Cooking oil is necessary for frying the pancakes.
  • Okonomiyaki sauce bottle - A bottle of okonomiyaki sauce is used to drizzle over the pancakes.
  • Mayonnaise squeeze bottle - A squeeze bottle of mayonnaise can be used to add a decorative drizzle on top of the pancakes.
  • Aonori shaker - An aonori shaker is used to sprinkle dried seaweed flakes over the pancakes.
  • Katsuobushi shaker - A katsuobushi shaker is used to sprinkle bonito flakes over the pancakes.
  • Pickled red ginger - Pickled red ginger is served as a garnish on top of the pancakes.

Origin stories

Modanyaki, also known as "Modern Yaki," is a delectable fusion dish that blends the traditional Japanese pancakes, Okonomiyaki, with Yakisoba noodles. Its origins trace back to the street food culture of Osaka, a city known as the "Nation's Kitchen" in Japan. Interestingly, the term Modanyaki was coined from "modern" and "yaki," which translates to grilled or cooked, implying a new take on the customary Okonomiyaki. The fascinating part is the addition of Yakisoba noodles into the pancake, which is quintessentially a symbol of Osaka's love for experimenting and creating exciting food combinations. So, with every bite of Modanyaki, one is not just savoring a delicious meal but also experiencing a slice of Osaka's vibrant food culture and spirit of culinary innovation.

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.