Delicious and Authentic Okonomiyaki: Japanese Savory Pancake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup dashi soup stock (can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 head cabbage, finely chopped (approx. 5 cups)
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 3/4 cup tempura scraps (tenkasu)
  • 8 strips bacon
  • 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce
  • Mayonnaise, to taste
  • 1/4 cup bonito flakes
  • 1/4 cup pickled red ginger (beni shoga)
  • 1/4 cup green seaweed powder (aonori)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Mix well.
  2. Add the dashi soup stock to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the batter. Mix until well combined.
  4. Add the chopped cabbage, green onions, and tempura scraps to the batter. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Heat a large pan or griddle over medium heat. Once heated, lay down two strips of bacon.
  6. Pour a quarter of the batter over the bacon, using a spatula to shape it into a round pancake that's about 1 inch thick.
  7. Cook the pancake for about 5 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 5 minutes.
  8. Repeat the process with the remaining bacon and batter.
  9. Once the okonomiyaki are cooked, spread a generous amount of okonomiyaki sauce over each one. Add mayonnaise to taste.
  10. Sprinkle the bonito flakes, pickled red ginger, and green seaweed over the okonomiyaki.
  11. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Large mixing bowl - Used to combine the ingredients for the batter.
  • Whisk - Used to mix the dry ingredients and dashi soup stock together.
  • Spatula - Used to stir and shape the batter on the pan or griddle.
  • Large pan or griddle - Used to cook the okonomiyaki pancakes.
  • Knife - Used to finely chop the cabbage and slice the green onions.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Used to measure the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, dashi soup stock, and other ingredients accurately.
  • Grater - Used to grate the ginger for the sauce (optional).
  • Brush - Used to spread the okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise over the cooked pancakes.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with buckwheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
  • Use shredded carrots or other vegetables instead of or in addition to cabbage.
  • Add diced cooked shrimp or sliced squid to the batter for a seafood twist.
  • Substitute the bacon with thinly sliced pork belly or sliced chicken.
  • Create a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables.
  • Add grated cheese to the batter for a cheesy okonomiyaki.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as sliced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted sesame seeds.
  • Try using different sauces such as tonkatsu sauce or a homemade Worcestershire sauce.
  • Make mini-sized okonomiyaki by forming smaller individual pancakes.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Recipe overview

Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish often referred to as a "Japanese pizza" or "savory pancake". This delicious and filling dish is a staple in the Kansai region of Japan but is enjoyed worldwide for its unique flavors and customizable ingredients. The name 'Okonomiyaki' literally translates to 'grilled as you like it', which perfectly embodies the spirit of this dish. The base ingredients are simple - a mixture of flour, eggs, and cabbage - but the beauty of okonomiyaki is that you can add whatever additional ingredients you like, making it a versatile meal that can be tailored to your own tastes. Our recipe incorporates the traditional toppings of okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, pickled ginger, and green seaweed. However, feel free to experiment with your own combinations. Cooking Okonomiyaki is as much fun as eating it. The process involves creating a batter, layering it with your favorite ingredients, and grilling it on both sides until golden brown. It's a wonderful dish to make when you want something hearty, fun and distinctly Japanese. Enjoy the experience of making Okonomiyaki at home and make it your own!

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the dashi soup stock with something else?
    Yes, you can substitute the dashi soup stock with chicken or vegetable broth.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for tempura scraps (tenkasu)?
    If you don't have tempura scraps, you can use crushed crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs as a substitute.
  3. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of dashi and omitting the bacon. You can add extra vegetables or tofu for additional flavor and texture.
  4. Where can I find okonomiyaki sauce?
    Okonomiyaki sauce can be found in most Asian grocery stores. If you can't find it, you can make a homemade alternative by mixing equal parts Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce.
  5. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
    It's best to make the batter fresh, as it can become lumpy if left sitting for too long. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and mix them with the wet ingredients just before cooking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large mixing bowl - Used for combining the dry ingredients, dashi soup stock, eggs, and cabbage.
  • Spatula - Essential for stirring and shaping the batter into pancakes.
  • Large pan or griddle - Used to cook the okonomiyaki pancakes.
  • Basting brush - Used for spreading the okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise on the cooked pancakes.
  • Serving plates - Used to present and serve the okonomiyaki.
  • Chopsticks - Traditional utensils for enjoying the okonomiyaki.
  • Kitchen knife - Needed for finely chopping the cabbage and slicing the green onions.
  • Grater - Optional, but can be used to grate fresh ginger for added flavor.
  • Okonomiyaki spatula - Optional, but specifically designed for flipping and serving okonomiyaki pancakes.

Origin stories

Okonomiyaki, often referred to as a "Japanese pizza," hails from the vibrant culinary landscape of Japan. Its name intriguingly means "as you like it" in Japanese, pointing to the versatility and personalization of this dish. The origins of okonomiyaki can be traced back to the late Edo period (1603–1868), but it gained its popularity post World War II when resources were scarce and people needed to be creative with the ingredients they had on hand. Today, there are significant regional variations of the dish, the most popular ones being the Osaka (or Kansai) style and Hiroshima style. The former mixes all the ingredients into a batter before cooking, while the latter layers each ingredient. This delightful and hearty dish has since become a staple comfort food in Japan and continues to capture hearts around the globe with its umami-packed flavors and customizable nature.

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.