Okonomiyaki - Japanese Savory Pancake

Okonomiyaki - Japanese Savory Pancake

Okonomiyaki, often referred to as 'Japanese pizza,' is a flavorful and hearty pancake loaded with vibrant ingredients. A beautiful medley of cabbage, bacon, and tempura scraps come together in a flour-based batter, resulting in a dish that is wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The pancake is then garnished with a trio of unique and umami-rich toppings: bonito flakes, aonori, and a tangy sauce blend. This dish, whose name literally translates to 'grilled as you like it,' is a beloved street food staple in Japan, particularly in the regions of Osaka and Hiroshima.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Aonori (dried seaweed flakes) (1 tablespoon)
  • Bonito flakes (1 tablespoon)
  • Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Tenkasu (tempura scraps) (1/2 cup)
  • Bacon (4 strips, chopped)
  • Green onions (2, chopped)
  • Eggs (2)
  • Water (1/2 cup)
  • All-purpose flour (1 cup)
  • Cabbage (2 cups, finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, all-purpose flour, water, eggs, chopped green onions, chopped bacon, and tenkasu. Mix well until a thick batter is formed.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with oil or cooking spray.
  3. Pour a generous portion of the batter onto the skillet, spreading it into a round shape with a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  4. Let the pancake cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom develops a golden-brown crust. Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula and allow the other side to cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. While the pancakes cook, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to integrate the flavors.
  6. Once the pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle each with mayonnaise, followed by a sprinkling of bonito flakes and aonori. Finish with a generous drizzle of the soy-Worcestershire blend.
  7. Serve your Okonomiyaki hot and enjoy the beautiful flavors of this classic Japanese street food!

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Calories: 400 • Fat: 20g • Carbs: 40g • Protein: 15g • Sodium: 1020mg • Sugar: 5g