How to Cook My Favorite Okonomiyaki: A Japanese Delight You'll Want to Make Again and Again
- OkonomiGal
- Mar 9
- 4 min read
Okonomiyaki is a delicious Japanese pancake filled with a blend of savory flavors and textures. It's often called "Japanese pancake," but this dish is so much more! I seriously never get tired of it. With ingredients like crunchy cabbage, fresh seafood, or succulent meat, okonomiyaki is highly customizable, letting you create a version that suits your taste perfectly. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a fantastic okonomiyaki from scratch, giving you all the tips and tricks you need to impress your friends and family.
What is Okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki means "grilled as you like it" (see where my tag line comes from?) and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, particularly in the cities of Hiroshima and Osaka, where different styles of the dish originated. The basic components include flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and a variety of toppings. What makes okonomiyaki special is its ability to let everyone create their ideal version.
Not only is it a treat for your taste buds, but making okonomiyaki is also a fun activity for gatherings with family and friends. Let’s explore the ingredients you will need and how to put it all together for a fantastic meal!
Want to see how it's done? Watch the video on my YouTube channel!
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour *
1/2 cup dashi broth (or water) *
2 large eggs
4 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup tenkasu (fried tempura bits)
3-4 thin slices of pork belly (or your choice of protein like shrimp, squid, bacon, mochi, etc)
Optional: chopped benishoga (pickled ginger)
Toppings
1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce (store bought is fine)
1/4 cup Japanese kewpie mayonnaise
1 tablespoon aonori (dried green seaweed)
1 tablespoon katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and dashi broth. Whisk them vigorously until you achieve a smooth batter similar to pancake batter, a consistency that’s important for a fluffy texture.
*If you are using special okonomiyaki flour, you can skip the dashi broth and just follow the ratios printed on the back of the bag. This flour already includes dashi!
Step 2: Add in the Eggs
Crack the eggs into the batter and mix well until smooth. The eggs will help bind all the ingredients and give okonomiyaki its characteristic fluffy texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables and Protein
Now gently fold in the shredded cabbage, green onions, tenkasu, any chopped proteins, and if you want it, the benishoga. Ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the batter without over-mixing, as you want some texture in the pancake.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Put a large non-stick skillet on medium heat. Lightly grease the pan if necessary to prevent sticking, though a good non-stick surface should suffice. If you have a griddle or hot plate, those are the best!
Step 5: Cook the Okonomiyaki
Pour half of the batter mixture onto your skillet to create a round pancake of about 6 inches in diameter. Use a spatula to shape it into a nice, even circle. If you are adding pork belly slices, lay them evenly across the top, not overlapping.
Step 6: Flip It Over
Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is a beautiful golden brown. Carefully flip the pancake with your spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The goal is a crispy exterior with a fully cooked center.
Step 7: Add the Toppings
Once your okonomiyaki is fully cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise for a tasty kick. Finish with aonori and katsuobushi for that authentic flavor.
Step 8: Repeat
Using the remaining batter, repeat the cooking process. You can make several smaller pancakes or one large pancake based on your skillet size and preference.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Cut the okonomiyaki into wedges, and your dish is ready! Serve it hot, and share the joy of eating together—this dish is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Tips for Perfect Okonomiyaki
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cabbage and proteins as they enhance both flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in the final taste.
Vegetarian? No problem: Skip the meat and add mochi instead!
Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with your toppings! Try adding cheese, mushrooms, or even kimchi for a unique twist.
Proportions Matter: Balance the ratio of cabbage and protein in each pancake for the best structure and flavor.
Get Creative: Consider adding grated yam to the batter for an exciting texture twist and flavor enhancement.
The Okonomiyaki Experience
Enjoying okonomiyaki is more than just eating; it’s an experience! Cook it at a table-top grill or serve directly from the skillet. Enhance the meal with pickled ginger on the side and pair it with a light drink for the perfect combination.
This dish not only delights the palate but also creates memorable moments with family and friends around the table, embodying the warmth of Japanese culture. Josh and I often visit a local okonomiyaki restaurant where you can grill your own at your table! If we make it at home, we put our hot plate in the middle of the living room table and make it a fun dinner-date at home.
Wrapping Up
Cooking okonomiyaki at home can be a lot of fun that shakes up the normal dinnertime routine. From choosing your favorite ingredients to savoring the final product, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. With its endless customization options, okonomiyaki is the ideal meal for any craving.
So the next time you're in the mood for a taste of Japan, remember that making your own okonomiyaki is easy and fulfilling. Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get excited about trying this unique dish!
Enjoy your culinary adventure, and you may just find yourself reaching for that skillet time and again.
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