Discover the delightful world of Japanese street food with okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that’s bursting with flavor. This popular dish from Osaka is a comforting blend of cabbage, meat, and umami-rich toppings. Whether you prefer the Osaka or Hiroshima style, okonomiyaki offers a versatile and delicious option for any meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Dashi stock | 3/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Cabbage | 2 cups, shredded |
| Pork belly slices | 4-6 slices |
| Green onions | 2, chopped |
| Tempura bits | 1/4 cup |
| Pickled ginger | 2 tbsp |
| Okonomiyaki sauce | To taste |
| Japanese mayo | To taste |
| Bonito flakes | To taste |
| Seaweed flakes | To taste |
Join us as we explore how to create this authentic dish at home with ease, perfect for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Grab the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the harmonious flavors of a true Japanese favorite.
Preparation Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping green cabbage into thin strips. Slice pork belly or use sliced pork as preferred. If you’re using seafood like shrimp, ensure they’re cleaned and deveined.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, dashi powder, a pinch of baking powder, and a dash of kosher salt. Add water and mix until smooth. Incorporate an egg, and a small amount of yamaimo (mountain yam) or hondashi if available, for added flavor and texture.
- Mix in Additions: To the batter, add shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, and tenkasu (tempura flakes). You can also mix in some cheese or kimchi for an exciting twist. Stir everything until thoroughly combined.
- Heat the Skillet: If using a nonstick skillet or grill plate, heat it over medium heat. Add a little vegetable oil or kosher salt as preferred.
- Cook the Okonomiyaki: Pour a portion of the mixture onto the skillet and shape it into a circle. Layer the meat of your choice on top, like pork or bacon. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until the underside is golden brown.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip the okonomiyaki and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Optionally, add a fried egg on top during the last minute for extra richness.
- Serve with Toppings: Once cooked, transfer to a plate. Drizzle with okonomi sauce, a mix of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup if needed. Add a swirl of Kewpie mayonnaise. Garnish with sliced green onions, beni-shoga (pickled ginger), and sprinkle with katsuobushi flakes.
- Optional Variations: Consider adding yakisoba noodles or bean sprouts inside for a unique variation known as modan-yaki. Enjoy your homemade Japanese okonomiyaki with your favorite sides and condiments.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your okonomiyaki experience with a variety of delicious toppings and condiments. Start by sprinkling dried bonito flakes over the hot pancake for a unique, umami-rich flavor. These thin, pinkish flakes dance enchantingly from the heat.
Add a pop of color with aonori, a type of dried seaweed flakes. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing green color to your dish.
Include a side of beni shoga, or pickled red ginger. This gives the savory pancake a refreshing tang, balancing the rich flavors.
Sprinkle some furikake—a tasty Japanese seasoning often made with sesame seeds, dried fish, and other savory elements. It’s perfect for adding extra crunch and flavor.
Consider offering classic nori strips. These seaweed strips add both flavor and texture, perfectly complementing the other toppings.
For those who enjoy a little heat, try a touch of spicy mayonnaise alongside traditional okonomiyaki sauce. Simply mix a small amount of hot sauce into your mayonnaise and drizzle it over the top.
