Okonomiyaki is a beloved Japanese dish that is often described as a savoury pancake or a Japanese pizza. The word “Okonomiyaki” comes from the Japanese words “okonomi,” which means “what you like” or “what you want,” and “yaki,” which means “grilled” or “cooked.” True to its name, Okonomiyaki is a customisable dish that allows you to add your favourite ingredients and toppings – time to recreate your own magic at home with this Okonomiyaki recipe!
What is the history of Okonomiyaki?
Is Okonomiyaki healthy?
To create a healthier version of an Okonomiyaki recipe, you can opt for lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or seafood, and load up on colourful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also use whole-grain flour or a combination of flours to add more fibre to the batter. Additionally, using minimal oil and not overloading on the sauces and mayonnaise can also help reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
Is Okonomiyaki sweet or salty?
Okonomiyaki strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savoury flavours. The combination of the crispy exterior and the soft interior, along with the contrasting textures of the fillings, will hence make every bite a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Add a pop of fun to your daily meals with this Okonomiyaki recipe
Okonomiyaki can be a nutritious and well-balanced meal when made with wholesome ingredients and prepared in moderation. With its rich history, unique flavours, and fun cooking process, it’s certainly a dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So why not gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure to create your own Okonomiyaki masterpiece?
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 10 – 15mins
Servings: 4
Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Fillings and toppings (you can customise based on your preference):
- Sliced pork, cooked shrimp, squid, or other proteins
- Thinly sliced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms
- Tenkasu (tempura bits)
- Japanese mayonnaise
- Okonomiyaki sauce (tonkatsu sauce)
- Aonori (dried seaweed flakes)
- Bonito flakes (dried fish flakes)
- Pickled ginger
Cutlery required:
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula or pancake flipper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
How to prepare Okonomiyaki:
- In a Mixing Bowl (available on Sweejar Official Store), whisk together the flour, water, eggs, salt, and baking powder until smooth. Afterwards, add the shredded cabbage and chopped green onions to the batter and stir to combine.
- Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. You can also lightly grease the skillet with oil to prevent sticking, but it’s not necessary if you’re using a Non-stick Pan (available on Carote Official Store).
- Thereafter, pour a ladleful of the batter onto the hot skillet and spread it out into a round shape using the back of a spoon or spatula. The pancake should be about 1/2 inch thick.
- Now comes the fun part: adding your favourite fillings and toppings to the Okonomiyaki! Arrange sliced pork, cooked shrimp, squid, or other proteins on top of the batter. Then, add thinly sliced vegetables, tenkasu (tempura bits), and any other desired fillings.
- Cook the Okonomiyaki for 3 – 4 minutes on each side until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Afterwards, carefully flip the pancake using the spatula and cook the other side for another 3 – 4 minutes.
- Once the Okonomiyaki is cooked through, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle Japanese mayonnaise and Okonomiyaki sauce (tonkatsu sauce) over the top. Sprinkle it with aonori and bonito flakes. Finally, garnish with pickled ginger for a burst of tangy flavour.
- Lastly, cut the Okonomiyaki into wedges using a knife before serving. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a delightful appetiser to share with family and friends.
Explore endless possibilities with this Okonomiyaki recipe
With its crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and customizable fillings and toppings, Okonomiyaki is certainly a culinary adventure that allows you to unleash your creativity and indulge in a truly satisfying meal. Be sure to create some of the best beer cocktail recipes to zeng up your dining experience at home!
