Save to Pinterest Experience the vibrant flavors of Osaka streets right in your kitchen with Japanese Okonomiyaki. These savory, "as-you-like-it" pancakes are a delightful blend of crunchy cabbage and fluffy batter, creating a satisfying meal that is as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you are a fan of street food or looking for a unique family dinner, this classic dish offers a perfect balance of umami and texture.
Save to Pinterest While often called a "Japanese pizza" or savory pancake, Okonomiyaki has a soul of its own. It is a staple of Japanese comfort food, known for its bold toppings and the theatrical "dance" of bonito flakes atop a steaming hot pancake. The combination of tangy sauce and creamy mayonnaise creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup dashi stock (or water)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 4 strips bacon or pork belly, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Japanese mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
- 2 tbsp aonori (dried seaweed flakes)
- 2 tbsp pickled ginger (beni shoga)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, dashi stock, eggs, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
- Step 2
- Fold in cabbage, green onions, carrot, and bean sprouts until evenly coated. Add shrimp if using.
- Step 3
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil.
- Step 4
- Pour about 1/4 of the batter onto the skillet, shaping into a round pancake about 1/2-inch thick.
- Step 5
- Lay 2 bacon or pork belly halves across the top (optional).
- Step 6
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip carefully and cook another 4–5 minutes until cooked through.
- Step 7
- Repeat with remaining batter.
- Step 8
- Transfer pancakes to plates. Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise in a crisscross pattern.
- Step 9
- Sprinkle with bonito flakes, aonori, and pickled ginger. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, avoid over-mixing the batter after adding the cabbage. Shred the cabbage finely to allow it to wilt slightly while cooking, maintaining a tender bite without being raw. If the pancake is too thick, you can cover the pan with a lid during the first few minutes of cooking to ensure the center sets perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and bacon. You can experiment with adding shredded kale, corn, or even melted cheese into the batter for extra richness. If you don't have store-bought okonomiyaki sauce, a quick mix of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of soy sauce works as an excellent substitute.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these pancakes hot off the griddle while the bonito flakes are still dancing from the heat. They pair exceptionally well with a glass of sake, a light Japanese lager, or a refreshing iced green tea. For a fuller meal, serve alongside a simple miso soup or a side of edamame.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, Japanese Okonomiyaki brings a slice of authentic culture to your table. Simple, savory, and endlessly adaptable, it is a recipe you will find yourself returning to whenever you crave a hearty and flavorful treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is okonomiyaki sauce and can I make it at home?
Okonomiyaki sauce is a rich, slightly sweet-savory condiment similar to Worcestershire sauce. While store-bought versions are convenient and authentic, you can easily create a homemade version by combining Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce in equal parts, adjusted to taste.
- → Why do bonito flakes move on hot okonomiyaki?
Bonito flakes dance and quiver on hot okonomiyaki due to the rising heat and steam from the pancake. This charming movement is actually desired in Japanese cuisine—it indicates the pancake is still hot and the flakes are gently cooking from the residual warmth.
- → Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dry ingredients several hours ahead, but combine with wet ingredients just before cooking. Pre-mixed batter may become watery as the cabbage releases moisture. For best texture, prepare the batter within 10 minutes of cooking.
- → What proteins pair best with this dish?
Traditional toppings include bacon and shrimp, but okonomiyaki is wonderfully versatile. Consider adding cooked squid, scallops, mozzarella cheese, or keeping it vegetarian with mushrooms, tofu, or corn for different flavor dimensions.
- → How do I achieve the perfect golden-brown exterior?
Use medium heat to avoid burning the exterior before the interior cooks through. A nonstick skillet or well-seasoned griddle is essential. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, flipping only once. The key is patience—resist the urge to move the pancake around.
- → Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely. Simply omit the bacon and shrimp, and ensure your okonomiyaki sauce contains no fish products. The vegetable-based batter is naturally hearty and satisfying, with plenty of texture from the cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts.