How To Make Okonomiyaki: Easy Japanese Savory Pancakes

If you're looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy a rainy day, this Japanese Okonomiyaki recipe is just the ticket. I remember the first time I made these savory pancakes with my daughter, Lily. We ended up with flour everywhere, but the laughter and tasty pancakes made it all worth it!

Why You’ll Love It

• It's a versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite ingredients.
• Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend brunch.
• The combination of flavors and textures is simply delightful.

Pure Comfort

Okonomiyaki is pure comfort food, bringing warmth and joy to any table. The crispy edges and soft center create a delightful contrast that makes each bite satisfying.

What You Need

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour – You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• 3/4 cup water – Use vegetable broth for added flavor.
• 1 large egg – This helps bind the ingredients together.
• 2 cups cabbage, finely shredded – Feel free to add carrots or green onions for extra crunch.
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped – You can substitute with chives if preferred.
• 4 oz bacon, chopped – For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or omit entirely.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil – Can use sesame oil for a richer flavor.
• to taste okonomiyaki sauce – You can find this in Asian grocery stores or online.
• to taste mayonnaise – Japanese mayo is preferred for its creaminess.
• for garnish bonito flakes – Optional, but they add a lovely umami flavor.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by whisking together the flour and water in a large bowl until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable, so adjust with a little more water if needed. This is the base of your okonomiyaki.
2. Next, crack in the egg and mix it thoroughly into the batter. You'll notice the color brightening as you combine it. This adds richness to the pancakes.
3. Now, fold in the shredded cabbage and chopped green onions. The mixture should look colorful and inviting. Make sure everything is well-coated in the batter for even cooking.
4. If you're using bacon, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the bacon and cook until crispy. The sizzle is music to your ears!
5. Pour half of the batter mixture into the skillet, spreading it out into a circle about 1/2 inch thick. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Use a spatula to check the color.
6. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. It should be cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside. Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect; it will still taste amazing!
7. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed. As you cook, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
8. Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a plate and drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. Sprinkle bonito flakes on top for an extra touch. The presentation will be as delightful as the taste!
9. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade okonomiyaki with family or friends. It's a dish that's meant to be shared and savored.

Make It Perfect

• For a crispier pancake, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the batter.
• Experiment with different toppings like pickled ginger or seaweed for added flavor.
• If you're making a larger batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm in the oven at 200°F.

Mix It Up

• Try adding shrimp or squid for a seafood twist.
• For a vegetarian option, load up on extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with a side of miso soup for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light salad to balance the richness of the pancakes.

💡 For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make okonomiyaki, you can enjoy these easy Japanese savory pancakes any time. They’re perfect for a cozy meal at home or a fun dinner with friends. So grab your ingredients and start cooking!

How To Make Okonomiyaki Easy Japanese Savory Pancakes

Okonomiyaki are Japanese savory pancakes with a crispy edge and soft center, made from a batter of flour, water, egg, and shredded cabbage, often with bacon and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. They are customizable, easy to make, and perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Skillet
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 120 g; can substitute with gluten-free flour
• 3/4 cup water can substitute with vegetable broth
• 1 large egg helps bind ingredients
• 2 cups cabbage finely shredded; can add carrots or green onions for crunch
• 1/4 cup green onions chopped; can substitute with chives
• 4 oz bacon chopped; can omit or use mushrooms for vegetarian option
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil can use sesame oil for richer flavor
• to taste okonomiyaki sauce can be found in Asian grocery stores or online
• to taste mayonnaise preferably Japanese mayo for creaminess
• for garnish bonito flakes optional for umami flavor

Instructions

 

• Whisk together flour and water in a large bowl until smooth and pourable.
• Add the egg and mix thoroughly to combine.
• Fold in the shredded cabbage and chopped green onions until evenly coated.
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy.
• Pour half the batter into the skillet, spreading it into a 1/2 inch thick circle.
• Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
• Flip the pancake and cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy.
• Repeat with the remaining batter, adding oil as needed.
• Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.
• Sprinkle bonito flakes on top if using and serve warm.

Keyword Bacon, Cabbage, Comfort Food, Japanese, Okonomiyaki, Savory Pancake