Imagine a sizzling, crispy pancake packed with savory flavors that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Japan - that's Okonomiyaki! This incredible dish is not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Often called a "Japanese pizza" or "savory pancake," Okonomiyaki is a mouthwatering experience that will revolutionize your home cooking and impress everyone at your dining table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups dashi stock
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup cooked and chopped bacon or pork
- Okonomiyaki sauce
- Japanese mayonnaise
- Bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
- Nori (seaweed) flakes
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and dashi stock, whisking until smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to develop flavor.
- Crack the eggs into the batter and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated, creating a light and airy mixture.
- Add shredded cabbage, chopped green onions, and cooked bacon or pork to the batter. Gently fold the ingredients until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
- Pour approximately 1/2 cup of batter onto the heated surface, spreading it into a circular pancake shape about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook the pancake for 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Small bubbles will form on the surface, indicating it's ready to flip.
- Carefully flip the okonomiyaki using a wide spatula and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked okonomiyaki to a serving plate and repeat the process with remaining batter.
- Generously drizzle okonomiyaki sauce in a zigzag pattern across the top of each pancake.
- Add a second drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise over the sauce.
- Sprinkle bonito flakes and nori flakes over the top for added flavor and traditional garnish.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the crispy, savory pancake with its rich umami flavors.
Tips
- Resting the batter is crucial - it helps develop deeper flavors and creates a smoother texture.
- Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned griddle to ensure your pancake doesn't stick and gets perfectly crispy.
- Don't overmix the batter after adding vegetables and meat - gentle folding keeps the texture light.
- The key to authentic flavor is using dashi stock instead of water - it adds incredible umami depth.
- Make sure your toppings like bonito and nori flakes are fresh for maximum flavor impact.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the perfect crisp exterior and tender interior.
- Experiment with different protein additions like shrimp, squid, or vegetarian alternatives to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
