Ingredients Summary:
- Cabbage: 2 cups, shredded
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Pork belly or shrimp: 100g, thinly sliced
- Tenkasu (tempura bits): 1/4 cup (optional)
- Okonomiyaki sauce: For serving
- Japanese mayonnaise: For serving
- Bonito flakes: For garnish
- Aonori (seaweed flakes): For garnish
- Pickled ginger: Optional
Instructions Overview:
- Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, water, eggs, and baking powder until smooth. Stir in the shredded cabbage and tempura bits (if using).
- Cook the Pancake: Heat oil in a non-stick pan, pour the batter in, and top with slices of pork belly or shrimp. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook the other side.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise, then top with bonito flakes, seaweed flakes, and pickled ginger.
For full instructions, visit Just One Cookbook – Okonomiyaki.
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese street food, often referred to as a savory pancake. This okonomiyaki recipe features a batter made from flour, eggs, and dashi, filled with shredded cabbage and thin slices of pork belly or other proteins. The name “Okonomiyaki” means “grilled as you like it,” which makes this dish highly customizable—adding shrimp, cheese, or even noodles (Hiroshima style) can transform the dish. Once cooked, the pancake is topped with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and aonori seaweed for a rich and flavorful finish. Serve this dish as a hearty meal or snack that showcases the best of Japanese comfort food.