Experience the flavors of Japan with a simple okonomiyaki recipe
Experience the flavors of Japan with a simple okonomiyaki recipe
Introduction
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese savory pancake that is both delicious and versatile. The word “okonomi” means “what you like” or “what you want”, and “yaki” means “grilled” or “cooked”. This dish is often referred to as Japanese comfort food and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The beauty of okonomiyaki lies in its customizability, allowing you to personalize it with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
For the batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups dashi stock (or water)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
For the filling (feel free to adjust based on your preference):
- 1 ½ cups shredded cabbage
- 3 stalks green onions, finely chopped
- 3 strips bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup thinly sliced mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions)
- 1 cup tenkasu (tempura scraps) or tempura batter bits (optional)
For toppings and garnish:
- Okonomiyaki sauce
- Japanese mayonnaise
- Aonori (dried seaweed flakes)
- Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, dashi stock, eggs, soy sauce, and salt until the batter is smooth. It should have a slightly thinner consistency than regular pancake batter.
- Gently fold in the shredded cabbage, green onions, bacon (if using), mixed vegetables, and tenkasu until everything is evenly coated with the batter.
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Pour the batter onto the pan, shaping it into a round pancake about ¾ inch thick.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes or until the bottom is golden and the edges are slightly crisp. Carefully flip the okonomiyaki using a spatula and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side.
- Once fully cooked, transfer the okonomiyaki to a plate and drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. Sprinkle with aonori and katsuobushi before serving.
Okonomiyaki is often enjoyed hot off the griddle and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Feel free to customize the toppings and fillings to suit your taste, and enjoy this delightful taste of Japan!
Okonomiyaki Recipe FAQ
What is okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that typically consists of a batter made with flour, grated yam, eggs, shredded cabbage, and various toppings such as pork, shrimp, or squid. It’s often flavored with Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise, and garnished with bonito flakes and seaweed.
How is okonomiyaki traditionally cooked?
Okonomiyaki is cooked on a hot grill or a flat pan, where the batter and ingredients are formed into a large pancake shape. The name “okonomiyaki” itself means “grilled as you like it,” indicating the flexibility to customize the toppings and flavors according to personal preference.
What are the regional variations of okonomiyaki?
In addition to the most well-known Osaka style which incorporates a wide range of ingredients, there is also Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. This version has layers of ingredients including noodles, and is often topped with a fried egg.
What are the key ingredients of a simple okonomiyaki recipe?
A basic okonomiyaki can be made with a few essential ingredients such as flour, cabbage, eggs, and green onions. This can be customized with additional ingredients like pork belly, shrimp, or squid, as well as toppings and sauces.
