🇯🇵 Japan · Food
Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)
By eatmundo · July 9, 2026
Originating from Osaka or Hiroshima, Okonomiyaki is a delightful savory pancake made with flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, customizable with various meats and seafood. It's griddled to golden perfection, then adorned with a special sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and a sprinkle of nori, offering a symphony of textures and umami flavors.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 100g all-purpose flour and 150ml dashi until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as a few lumps are fine. Crack in 1 large egg and whisk again until smooth.
- 2
Add vegetables: Finely shred 200g cabbage and thinly slice 2 green onion stems. Gently fold the shredded cabbage and half of the green onions into the batter until evenly distributed.
- 3
Heat the pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat until shimmering. This ensures even cooking and a crispy base.
- 4
Cook the pancake: Pour half of the batter mixture into the hot pan, forming a round pancake about 1.5-2 cm thick. Arrange 50g thin slices of pork belly on top of the raw batter.
- 5
Flip and cook: Cook for 5-7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the edges begin to set. Carefully flip the pancake, cover the pan, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Don't be tempted to press down on the pancake, as this can make it dense.
- 6
Serve and garnish: Transfer the cooked okonomiyaki to a plate. Drizzle generously with 2 tablespoons of Okonomiyaki sauce and 1 tablespoon of Japanese mayonnaise. Garnish with 1 gram of bonito flakes, 1 gram of aonori (seaweed flakes), the remaining green onions, and optionally 1 tablespoon of beni shoga (pickled ginger). Repeat for the second pancake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Osaka and Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki?+
Osaka style mixes all ingredients into the batter, while Hiroshima style layers them, often including noodles like yakisoba, creating a more complex texture and a distinct experience.
Can I make Okonomiyaki vegetarian or vegan?+
Yes, you can omit the pork belly and egg. For vegan, use a flax egg substitute and a vegan dashi (kombu dashi). Tofu or mushrooms make great replacements for meat, offering a delicious plant-based alternative.
Why did my Okonomiyaki fall apart when flipping?+
This usually happens if the batter hasn't cooked enough on the first side. Ensure the bottom is well browned and set before attempting to flip, and use a wide spatula to support the pancake fully.
What are common toppings for Okonomiyaki?+
Besides the classic sauce, mayo, bonito flakes, and aonori, popular toppings include pickled ginger (beni shoga), katsuobushi (more bonito flakes), and additional green onions. Some even enjoy it with cheese or a fried egg.
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