Okonomiyaki, the Japanese pancake. If you’ve never heard of it before, imagine a savory, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside pancake, packed with cabbage, protein, and topped with the most irresistible Okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and katsuobushi. Sounds amazing, right?
What is Okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) literally means “grilled as you like it” in Japanese. Originating from Osaka and Hiroshima, this street food staple has been delighting taste buds for over a century. Unlike your average pancake, it’s made with cabbage, flour, eggs, dashi, and a mix of proteins like pork belly, shrimp, or squid.
What Makes This Okonomiyaki Recipe Special?
There are many variations of it, but this recipe sticks to the classic Osaka-style—simple, delicious, and easy to customize. You can keep it vegetarian, load it with seafood, or go for the ultra-indulgent version with crispy pork belly on top. No matter which way you go, the key is in the sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Super Versatile: Customize with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Authentic Japanese Flavor: Tastes just like the ones you’d get at an Osaka street food stall.
- Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside: The perfect texture in every bite!
Let’s Get Cooking!
If you’ve been searching for “how to make Okonomiyaki”, you’re in the right place.
Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Pancake)
Description
If you love savory Japanese pancakes, this Okonomiyaki recipe is a must-try! Made with a simple batter of flour, egg, and dashi, it's loaded with cabbage, shrimp, chicken, or crispy pork belly. Topped with rich Okonomiyaki sauce, Kewpie mayo, katsuobushi, and aonori.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, mix flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, dissolve the dashi powder in warm water and gradually add it to the flour mixture. Stir well. -
Add the Egg & Cabbage
Crack in the egg and mix until smooth. Fold in the finely chopped Chinese cabbage, ensuring it's evenly distributed in the batter. -
Choose Your Toppings & Proteins
At this stage, add your favorite protein—shrimp, chicken, or squid. If you’re using bacon or pork belly, keep it separate for now! -
Cook the Okonomiyaki
Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. If using bacon, cook it first until crispy, then pour the batter over it. Otherwise, directly pour the batter into a round pancake shape. -
Flip Like a Pro
After about 5 minutes, carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the inside is fully cooked. -
Sauce It Up!
Now for the best part—Okonomiyaki sauce! Drizzle it generously over the pancake in a zigzag pattern. Follow up with Kewpie mayo, using the same technique. -
The Final Touch
Sprinkle with katsuobushi and a light dusting of aonori. Your Japanese pancake masterpiece is complete!