How to Make Traditional Japanese Okonomiyaki – A Simple Guide
Are you craving a taste of Japan but can’t jet off to Osaka or Hiroshima any time soon? Don’t fret! You can bring a piece of Japanese culinary delight right into your kitchen by making traditional okonomiyaki. This Japanese savory pancake, whose name literally means “what you like, grilled,” is as versatile as it is delicious, and I’m here to guide you through making it.
What is Okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese street food that has won hearts worldwide. It’s a thick, savory pancake filled with a variety of ingredients, including cabbage, green onions, meat (usually pork), and seafood, then topped with a rich, flavorful sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and bonito flakes. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that can be customized according to your palate!
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 4 eggs
- 4 cups chopped cabbage (about 1/2 head)
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup tenkasu (tempura flakes) – optional
- 4 thin slices of pork belly (or any protein you prefer, like shrimp or bacon)
- Okonomiyaki sauce (can be purchased or homemade)
- Mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayonnaise)
- Aonori (seaweed flakes) – for garnish
- Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) – for garnish
*Note: Feel free to adjust the toppings and fillings based on what you have or what you like!
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour with 3/4 cup of water. Stir until you have a smooth batter. This is your base.
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Add the Cabbage and Onions: To the bowl, add 4 cups of chopped cabbage and the chopped green onions. If you’re using tempura flakes, now is the time to add them as well. Mix everything together gently. The mixture should look more like a cabbage salad lightly coated with batter than a traditional pancake batter.
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Let’s Cook: Heat a non-stick pan or a griddle over medium heat and lightly oil it. Take a portion of your mixture (about 1/4 of it) and place it on the pan. Form it into a round pancake shape that is about 1/2 inch thick.
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Add the Protein: Place your chosen protein on top of the uncooked side of the pancake. Then, pour 1 beaten egg over the top, ensuring it seeps through the mixture.
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Flip Time: Once the bottom of the pancake is golden brown (after about 3-5 minutes), it’s time to flip it carefully. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the other side is also golden brown, and the protein is cooked through.
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Dress it Up: Transfer the okonomiyaki to a plate. Drizzle okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise in a crisscross pattern over the top. Then, sprinkle aonori and katsuobushi for that authentic Japanese flavor.
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Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining mixture to make three more pancakes.
Congratulations! You’ve just made a traditional Japanese okonomiyaki. You can play around with the fillings and toppings to suit your taste. Some people like to add kimchi, cheese, or different meats and vegetables. The beauty of okonomiyaki is in its versatility.
Additional Tips:
- Mix gently: When mixing your batter and ingredients, do so gently to prevent the batter from becoming too dense or the cabbage from wilting.
- Cooking time: Depending on your stove and pan, cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on your okonomiyaki to prevent it from burning.
- Flipping: Flipping can be the trickiest part. If you’re not confident in flipping it in one go, you can use a plate to help turn it over.
Okonomiyaki is more than just food; it’s a fun and interactive way to cook and enjoy Japanese cuisine right at home. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends where everyone can customize their pancake. So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, consider this delicious and adaptable dish that might just become a new favorite. Enjoy your culinary adventure into the heart of Japan!
