Okonomiyaki Recipe - The Japanese savory pancake

Okonomiyaki Recipe – The Japanese savory pancake

by faishal on in Side Dish

Okonomiyaki Recipe - The Japanese savory pancake

Okonomiyaki recipe – Okonomiyaki, often referred to as a Japanese savory pancake, is a beloved dish that hails from Japan. This versatile dish combines a batter with various ingredients, including cabbage, seafood, meat, and vegetables, and is cooked on a griddle or pan. The name “okonomiyaki” is derived from the words “okonomi,” meaning “how you like” or “what you like,” and “yaki,” meaning “grilled” or “cooked.” This reflects the customizable nature of the dish, allowing for a wide range of ingredients to suit individual tastes. Okonomiyaki is a staple in Japanese homes and street food markets, particularly in the Kansai and Hiroshima regions.

Brief Okonomiyaki Recipe Information:

<Origin Country: Japan
Number of Servings: 4 servings
Number of Calories (per serving): Approximately 500 calories
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Keywords: Japanese cuisine, okonomiyaki, savory pancake, street food

Essential Onomiyaki Ingredients:

For the Batter, Filling and Toppings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup water or dashi (Japanese soup stock)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 cups finely shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup grated nagaimo (Japanese yam) or 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra fluffiness)
  • 4 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup tempura scraps (tenkasu) (optional)
  • 200g thinly sliced pork belly or bacon
  • 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and chopped (optional)
  • Okonomiyaki sauce or Worcestershire sauce
  • Japanese mayonnaise
  • Aonori (dried seaweed flakes)
  • Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
  • Pickled ginger (beni shoga) (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Okonomiyaki Recipe:

  1. Step 1: Preparing the Batter – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water or dashi, eggs, salt, and baking powder until smooth. If using grated nagaimo, add it to the batter for extra fluffiness.
  2. Step 2: Mixing the Filling – Add the shredded cabbage, green onions, and tempura scraps to the batter. Mix until well combined. If adding shrimp, mix it into the batter.
  3. Step 3: Cooking the Okonomiyaki – Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil it. Pour about 1/4 of the batter mixture onto the skillet, spreading it out to form a pancake about 1/2 inch thick. Place 2-3 slices of pork belly or bacon on top of the pancake. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the pork is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Adding the Toppings – Transfer the cooked okonomiyaki to a serving plate. Drizzle a generous amount of okonomiyaki sauce over the top. Add a zigzag pattern of Japanese mayonnaise. Sprinkle with aonori and katsuobushi. The heat from the pancake will cause the bonito flakes to move, adding a whimsical touch. Garnish with pickled ginger if desired.
  5. Step 5: Serving the Okonomiyaki – Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batter and fillings. Serve the okonomiyaki hot, cutting it into manageable pieces for easy eating.

Tips for Perfecting Okonomiyaki:

  • Consistent Heat: Cook the okonomiyaki over medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly without burning.
  • Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to hold the ingredients together but not too thick. Adjust the amount of water or dashi if necessary.
  • Ingredient Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as cheese, squid, or kimchi for unique flavor combinations.
  • Sauce Alternatives: If you can’t find okonomiyaki sauce, mix Worcestershire sauce with a bit of ketchup and soy sauce as a substitute.
  • Presentation: For an authentic touch, use a squeeze bottle for the mayonnaise to create a neat zigzag pattern.

Savor the Authentic Flavors of Japan:

Okonomiyaki is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Japanese street food to your kitchen. The combination of a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, topped with savory and creamy sauces, creates a delightful experience that is both satisfying and fun to make.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or enjoying a cozy night in, okonomiyaki is a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice. Its customizable nature allows you to tailor each pancake to suit your preferences, making it a perfect dish for experimenting with different ingredients and flavors.

Experience the joy of making and eating okonomiyaki, and let each bite transport you to the bustling street markets of Osaka and Hiroshima. Happy cooking!

2 thoughts on “Okonomiyaki Recipe – The Japanese savory pancake”

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