Japanese Okonomiyaki

Discover the Rich Culture and History of Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki, often referred to as the “Japanese savory pancake,” is a beloved dish with deep cultural roots and a fascinating history. Originating in Japan, Okonomiyaki has become a staple in Japanese cuisine, celebrated for its versatility and rich flavors. The name “Okonomiyaki” is derived from the words “okonomi,” meaning “how you like” or “what you like,” and “yaki,” meaning “grilled” or “cooked.” This perfectly captures the essence of the dish, which can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit individual tastes.

The Origins

The history of Okonomiyaki dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868) when a similar dish called “funoyaki” was popular. However, the modern version of Okonomiyaki that we know today started to take shape in the early 20th century. It gained widespread popularity in the Kansai region, particularly in Osaka, which is still considered the heartland of this food.

During World War II, Okonomiyaki became a vital source of nutrition due to food shortages. Flour was more readily available than rice, and people began to use it as a base for the pancake, adding whatever ingredients they could find. This period significantly influenced the dish’s development, making it a creative and adaptive meal.

Regional Variations

While Kansai (Osaka) style Okonomiyaki is the most famous, there are notable regional variations. The Hiroshima style is particularly unique, featuring layers of ingredients, including noodles, and a fried egg on top. This version is more structured and requires a different cooking technique.

Kansai style is known for mixing all the ingredients into the batter, creating a cohesive and flavorful pancake. Common ingredients include cabbage, green onions, tempura scraps (tenkasu), and various meats like pork belly or seafood.

Cooking and Enjoying Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is traditionally cooked on a teppan (a flat iron griddle), which allows for even cooking and a crispy exterior. The cooking process is interactive and often performed at Okonomiyaki restaurants right in front of diners. The dish is usually topped with a variety of condiments, including Okonomiyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce), mayonnaise, dried seaweed (aonori), and bonito flakes (katsuobushi).

The communal and customizable nature of Okonomiyaki makes it a popular choice for social gatherings. Whether you are enjoying it in a restaurant or making it at home, the experience of cooking and eating Okonomiyaki is both fun and delicious.

Okonomiyaki is more than just a dish; it is a representation of Japanese culture and resilience. Its history, from humble beginnings to a beloved culinary icon, showcases the ingenuity and adaptability of Japanese cuisine. Whether you prefer the Kansai style or the layered Hiroshima variation, Okonomiyaki offers a delightful and immersive experience into the heart of Japanese food culture.

Explore the flavors and history of this dish, and discover why this savory pancake holds a special place in the hearts of many around the world.

Japanese Okonomiyaki

Preparation Time 15 mins Cooking Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Print recipe

Pin Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Author: daurora Cooking Method: Pan Cooking Cuisine: Asia, Japan Category: Breakfast Features of the Recipe: High Fiber High Protein

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ²⁄₃ cup dashi (or water)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups cabbage (finely chopped)

• ¹⁄₂ cup green onions (finely chopped)

• ¹⁄₂ cup tempura scraps (tenkasu)

• 8 slice pork belly (thinly sliced)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• okonomiyaki sauce (or tonkatsu sauce)

• kewpie mayonnaise

• aonori (dried seaweed powder)

• katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)

• green onions (finely chopped, optional)

• beni shoga (red pickled ginger)

Instructions

Prepare the Batter:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and dashi until smooth.
2. Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
3. Fold in the chopped cabbage, green onions, and tenkasu.

Cook the Okonomiyaki:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Pour half of the batter into the skillet, spreading it into a circle about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Arrange 4 slices of pork belly on top of the batter.
4. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown.
5. Carefully flip the okonomiyaki and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and the pancake is golden brown on both sides.

Serve:

1. Transfer the cooked okonomiyaki to a plate.
2. Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and Kewpie mayonnaise.
3. Sprinkle with aonori and katsuobushi.
4. Add finely chopped green onions and beni shoga if desired.
5. Repeat with the remaining batter and pork belly slices.

6. Your homemade Okonomiyaki is ready. Itadakimasu!

Rate this recipe: