Easy okonomiyaki recipe for a savory Japanese pancake
Easy okonomiyaki recipe for a savory Japanese pancake Okay, so I have to tell you about this dish that’s basically a party in your mouth—okonomiyaki. It’s a Japanese savory pancake, and the name literally means “grilled as you like it,” which is perfect because you can throw in whatever you want. I first had it…
Easy okonomiyaki recipe for a savory Japanese pancake
Okay, so I have to tell you about this dish that’s basically a party in your mouth—okonomiyaki. It’s a Japanese savory pancake, and the name literally means “grilled as you like it,” which is perfect because you can throw in whatever you want. I first had it at this tiny street food stall in Osaka, and it was love at first bite. Crispy edges, soft inside, loaded with cabbage, and topped with this crazy-good sauce. Now I make it at home all the time because it’s stupidly easy and totally customizable. Plus, it’s a great way to use up random veggies in your fridge. Win-win.
If you’ve never tried okonomiyaki, think of it like a Japanese answer to pizza or a frittata, but way more fun to make. And no, you don’t need fancy ingredients—just some basics and a little patience. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating it every week.
Recipe Card
Recipe Title: Easy okonomiyaki recipe for a savory Japanese pancake
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (pack it in there, don’t be shy)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (for fluffiness!)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon or shrimp (optional but highly recommended)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works great)
- Okonomiyaki sauce (or sub with BBQ sauce mixed with a little Worcestershire)
- Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo if that’s all you’ve got)
- Bonito flakes and seaweed for topping (optional but so fun)
Directions:
- In a big bowl, mix the flour, eggs, water, soy sauce, and baking powder until it’s kinda smooth. Don’t overthink it—lumps are fine.
- Toss in the cabbage, green onions, and your protein (bacon, shrimp, or skip it if you’re veggie). Mix it all up like you’re making a weird salad.
- Heat a big pan (non-stick is best) on medium and add a little oil. Scoop half the batter into the pan and flatten it into a pancake shape. Not too thick, not too thin—Goldilocks style.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip it (this is the scary part, but you got this). Cook another 5 minutes.
- Repeat with the rest of the batter. You should get 2 big pancakes or 4 smaller ones.
- Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayo. Sprinkle bonito flakes and seaweed if you’re feeling fancy. Slice it up and dig in!
See? Not hard at all. And the best part is, you can totally mess this up and it’ll still taste amazing. I’ve burned the edges before, and guess what? Still delicious.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 30g | 15g | 6g |
Ingredient Swaps
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | Shredded Brussels sprouts or kale (if you’re feeling healthy) |
| Okonomiyaki sauce | BBQ sauce + Worcestershire or hoisin |
| Bacon | Ham, spam, or just skip it |
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your pancake is too big, it’ll be a nightmare to flip. Smaller is safer.
- If the batter feels too wet, add a little more flour. Too dry? Splash in more water. It’s forgiving.
- Let it get crispy before flipping. If you rush, it’ll fall apart. Patience, my friend.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yeah! Cook it, let it cool, and stash it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave (but pan is better for crispiness).
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Honestly, it’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Just know the texture might get a little weird. Still edible though!
Q: Do I need special equipment?
A: Nope. A regular pan and spatula are all you need. No fancy Japanese tools required.
That’s it! Now go make some okonomiyaki and pretend you’re at a street food stall in Osaka. Or just eat it on your couch in pajamas—no judgment here. Let me know how it turns out if you try it!
