Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)is a delicious savory pancake dish from Japan that can be customized with various ingredients. This recipe is a basic version, but feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings! Also each major city, lke Osaka, and Hiroshima have thier own variations, such as vegetarian and the like, so do some research, and see which version is best for you, happy eating! 

 

Ingredients:

 

½ cup (100g) all-purpose flour

¼ tsp (1.25ml) baking powder

½ tsp (2.5ml) salt

100ml water

2 large eggs

¼ head of green cabbage (finely shredded)

2 spring onions (chopped)

¼ cup (50g) shredded meat (optional: pork belly, chicken, seafood)

¼ cup (50g) cooked and chopped vegetables (optional: shrimp, corn, carrots)

¼ cup (50g) shredded nori seaweed (for garnish)

¼ cup (50g) katsuobushi (bonito flakes) (for garnish)

Okonomiyaki sauce (store-bought or see recipe below)

Kewpie mayonnaise (Japanese mayonnaise)

Vegetable oil for cooking

Optional Okonomiyaki Sauce Recipe:

 

½ cup (120ml) Worcestershire sauce

¼ cup (60ml) ketchup

1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce

1 tbsp (15ml) brown sugar

1 tbsp (15ml) honey

Instructions:

 

Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the water and eggs, whisking until smooth but slightly lumpy.

Prepare the vegetables: Finely shred the green cabbage and chop the spring onions. If using, chop your other vegetables and meat into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the okonomiyaki: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add half of the batter to the pan, spreading it into a round shape about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle half of the shredded cabbage and other desired fillings (meat, vegetables) on top of the batter.

Cook the okonomiyaki: Pour a little bit of oil around the edges of the pancake. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.

Flip and cook again: Using a spatula, carefully flip the okonomiyaki. You can use a second spatula to help press down on it to ensure even cooking. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and the inside is cooked through.

Serve: Transfer the cooked okonomiyaki to a plate. Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and Kewpie mayonnaise. Sprinkle with a generous amount of bonito flakes and chopped nori seaweed. Enjoy immediately!

Tips:

 

You can adjust the amount of water in the batter depending on the desired consistency. If it seems too thick, add a little more water.

If you don't have okonomiyaki sauce, you can use a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce.

Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Some popular options include kimchi, cheese, tempura flakes (tenkasu), and fried noodles.

You can also make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using all vegetable fillings.

Enjoy your delicious homemade okonomiyaki!