Okonomiyaki: Japanese Street Food with a Personal Touch
There’s something magical about street food. It’s the soul of a culture, served on a plate.
One of my favorite street food memories is from a trip to Osaka, where I first tried Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake bursting with flavor.
The sizzle of the batter on the griddle, the aroma of dashi, and the sight of bonito flakes dancing in the steam – it was love at first bite.
Since then, I’ve been determined to recreate that experience at home. And now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you!
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | For Combining Ingredients | Amazon, Walmart, or local stores |
| Non-Stick Skillet | Cooking the Okonomiyaki | Target, Bed Bath & Beyond |
| Grater | Shredding Taro and Cabbage | Kitchen supply stores |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Ensuring Accurate Measurements | Supermarkets |
| Spatula | Flipping the Pancake | Any kitchen store |
Prep Time
Total Time: 45 minutes
(Includes 30 minutes refrigeration time)
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Okonomiyaki:
- 100g (3/4 cup) All-purpose flour
- 10g (2 tsp) Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Seasoning powder (garlic soup stock)
- 140ml (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) Dashi
- 200g (2 cups) Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g (2 cups) Cabbage, finely shredded
- 20g (1/4 cup) Green onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 2 Eggs
- 50g (1/4 cup) Taro, grated
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- Okonomiyaki sauce (for garnish)
- Mayonnaise (for garnish)
- Dried green seaweed (for garnish)
- Bonito flakes (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, seasoning powder, and baking powder. Gradually whisk in the dashi until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Add-Ins: While the batter rests, shred the cabbage, chop the green onions, and grate the taro.
- Mix Everything Together: After refrigeration, add the shrimp, cabbage, green onions, taro, and eggs to the batter. Mix well until fully combined.
- Cook the Pancake: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Pour the batter into the skillet, forming a round pancake. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Okonomiyaki to a plate. Drizzle with Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. Sprinkle with dried green seaweed and bonito flakes for that iconic finishing touch.
Food Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pancake soggy.
Pro Tips
- Swap Proteins: Substitute shrimp with pork belly, squid, or tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable stock instead of dashi and skip the seafood.
- Crispier Edge: Press the pancake lightly with a spatula while cooking to create a crispier crust.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter and chop the veggies the night before for quicker assembly.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use regular flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for Okonomiyaki.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have dashi?
You can substitute dashi with a mix of water and a bit of soy sauce or vegetable stock.
Q3: How do I know when to flip the pancake?
Wait until the edges are set and bubbles form on the surface, usually around 5-7 minutes.
Q4: Can I freeze Okonomiyaki?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
Q5: Is Okonomiyaki gluten-free?
No, unless you use gluten-free flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Okonomiyaki isn’t just about making a dish – it’s about creating an experience.
It’s a chance to explore Japanese culture, experiment with flavors, and share something delicious with loved ones.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time; even mine wasn’t! The beauty of Okonomiyaki is in its versatility and the joy it brings.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some memories – one pancake at a time. Happy cooking! 🌸