Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese street food known for its savory pancakes filled with various ingredients. This okonomiyaki recipe features a delicious combination of pork and cabbage, topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and green onions.
This easy Japanese recipe is perfect for a quick meal or a fun cooking experience at home. Learn how to make okonomiyaki and enjoy this delightful dish that showcases the flavors of Japan.
Understanding Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki, often referred to as savory pancakes, is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine. This delightful creation is a staple of Japanese street food, showcasing a unique blend of flavors and textures. The name itself translates to “grilled as you like it,” indicating the versatility of this dish.
Typically, okonomiyaki is made with a base of flour, dashi stock, and eggs, combined with various fillings. The most popular version features pork and cabbage, but the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a perfect choice for any meal.
Ingredients That Shine
The key to a successful okonomiyaki lies in its ingredients. A simple yet effective combination of all-purpose flour, dashi stock, and eggs forms the batter. When mixed with finely shredded cabbage and sliced green onions, it creates a delightful texture that is both hearty and satisfying.
Adding cooked pork belly or bacon elevates the dish, introducing a savory richness that complements the other components. The final touches of okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and fresh green onions not only enhance the flavor but also create an inviting presentation.
Cooking Techniques
Making okonomiyaki is a straightforward process that can be completed in about 30 minutes. Start by whisking together the batter until smooth, then fold in the fillings. Cooking the pancakes requires a hot skillet or griddle, where the batter is poured and shaped into round pancakes.
Each pancake is cooked until golden brown on both sides, ensuring a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The art of flipping the pancake is crucial, as it ensures even cooking and a perfect texture.
Garnishing for Flavor
The garnishing of okonomiyaki is where the dish truly comes to life. Drizzling okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise over the cooked pancakes adds layers of flavor, while bonito flakes provide a delicate umami touch that dances on the palate.
Fresh green onions sprinkled on top not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the other toppings. This final presentation transforms the dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Serving Suggestions
Okonomiyaki can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, making it a versatile option for any meal. Cutting the pancakes into wedges makes them easy to share, perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.
Pairing okonomiyaki with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad can enhance the dining experience, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the pancakes. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Japanese food culture.
Why Try This Recipe?
This okonomiyaki recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, making these savory pancakes is a rewarding experience. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to the streets of Japan, where this dish is cherished by many.
With its quick preparation time and customizable nature, this Japanese pancake recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Dive into the world of Japanese cuisine and enjoy the delightful experience of making and savoring okonomiyaki at home.
Easy Savory Pancake Recipe
This okonomiyaki with pork and cabbage is a satisfying dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, serving 2-4 people. Enjoy this delicious Japanese pancake recipe as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dashi stock or water
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup cooked pork belly or bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
- Okonomiyaki sauce for drizzling
- Mayonnaise for drizzling
- Bonito flakes for garnish
- Additional green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, dashi stock (or water), and eggs until smooth.
- Mix in the Fillings: Add the shredded cabbage, sliced green onions, and chopped pork to the batter. Stir until well combined.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the skillet, shaping it into a round pancake. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add Toppings: Once cooked, transfer the pancake to a plate and drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. Sprinkle bonito flakes and additional green onions on top.
- Serve: Cut the okonomiyaki into wedges and serve hot, enjoying it as a delicious Japanese dish.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2-4 pancakes
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g