If you have ever wanted to dive into the delicious world of Japanese comfort food, then this Okonomiyaki: Japanese Cabbage Pancake Recipe is your perfect starting point. It’s a flavorful, hearty pancake built around crisp cabbage and a savory batter that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic dish for any day of the week. The magic lies not only in the simple, fresh ingredients but also in the way every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and umami-rich flavors that scream homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it is providing structure, depth of flavor, or that perfect golden color on the pancake’s surface. Here’s what you need to gather before you get started:
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded: The star veggie giving okonomiyaki its signature crunch and freshness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This binds everything together, creating the pancake’s hearty base.
- 1 egg: Adds richness and helps hold the batter perfectly.
- 1/4 cup dashi or vegetable broth: Introduces a subtle savory depth, taking the flavor to authentic Japanese territory.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings in that beloved salty umami punch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a delicate nutty aroma that lingers deliciously with every bite.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Adds a fresh sharpness and a pop of color.
- 2 tablespoons okonomiyaki sauce: The sweet and savory glaze that finishes the pancake beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and balances the sauce with its mild tang.
- Oil for frying: For that irresistible crispy exterior.
How to Make Okonomiyaki: Japanese Cabbage Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Make the Batter
Begin by combining shredded cabbage, flour, egg, dashi or vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions in a large bowl. Mix them well to form a batter that is thick but spreadable. This blend is the heart of your okonomiyaki, where freshness meets umami in every scoop.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Prepare for Cooking
Heat a generous splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. A hot pan ensures that gorgeous golden color and crisp edges that make the pancake so inviting and tasty.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Pour half of the batter into the skillet, shaping it gently into a round pancake about 6 inches wide. Cook it for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on that color! The result will be crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor.
Step 4: Repeat for the Second Pancake
Once your first pancake is cooked, repeat the process with the remaining batter. This recipe serves two, making it perfect for sharing with a friend or loved one.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle each warm pancake generously with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. These toppings bring a sweet, tangy, and creamy contrast that elevates the entire dish to something downright unforgettable.
How to Serve Okonomiyaki: Japanese Cabbage Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
While the traditional okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise are must-haves, you can also sprinkle additional toppings like bonito flakes, pickled ginger, or toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture. A few extra chopped green onions can brighten up the presentation and taste as well.
Side Dishes
Okonomiyaki pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed rice, miso soup, or a crisp cucumber salad. The balance between the rich pancakes and light side dishes creates a satisfying meal that feels authentically Japanese and deeply comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the classic presentation, try cutting the pancakes into bite-sized pieces and serving them on skewers as a party appetizer. Alternatively, stack smaller pancakes with layers of different fillings like cheese or cooked shrimp for a playful, layered effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap the cooled okonomiyaki pancakes tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—they maintain their flavor well when kept properly.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooked and cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month and are convenient for a ready-to-go meal.
Reheating
Reheat your okonomiyaki by warming in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again, or microwave briefly, though the skillet method gives a better texture. Avoid sogginess by skipping the microwave if you can!
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour substitutes?
Yes! While all-purpose flour works best for the right texture, you can try pancake mix or gluten-free flour blends, but expect slight textural variations.
What is dashi, and can I omit it?
Dashi is a Japanese broth made from seaweed and bonito flakes that adds umami depth, but if you don’t have it, vegetable broth works well as a flavorful alternative.
Is okonomiyaki typically vegetarian?
Traditional okonomiyaki often includes seafood or meat, but this cabbage pancake recipe is vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and no animal toppings.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in shredded carrots, mushrooms, or bits of cooked shrimp or bacon to make the dish your own.
What is the best way to flip the pancake?
Use a wide spatula and be gentle but confident. A slightly nonstick skillet helps, and cooking until edges look set ensures it flips cleanly.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Okonomiyaki: Japanese Cabbage Pancake Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Japan into your kitchen and your heart. It’s straightforward, delicious, and endlessly adaptable — a dish that warmly welcomes everyone at your table. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for its comforting flavors and easy prep. So gather your ingredients, enjoy the simple cooking process, and dig into this lovely, savory pancake that tastes like homemade happiness.
Print
Okonomiyaki: Japanese Cabbage Pancake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese cabbage pancake that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This quick and easy recipe blends shredded cabbage with a flavorful batter, fried to golden perfection and topped with classic okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise for an authentic taste of Japanese street food.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup dashi or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons okonomiyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Oil for frying (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, all-purpose flour, egg, dashi or vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a cohesive batter.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the surface. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Shape and cook pancakes: Pour half of the batter into the skillet, shaping it into a round pancake approximately 6 inches in diameter. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Flip and cook the other side: Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is also golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
- Repeat for remaining batter: Remove the cooked pancake to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter to make a second pancake.
- Add toppings and serve: Drizzle each pancake generously with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using dashi broth provides authentic umami flavor, but vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative.
- You can add other ingredients like shrimp, bacon, or tempura scraps to customize your okonomiyaki.
- Ensure the skillet is not too hot to prevent burning before the center cooks through.
- Okonomiyaki sauce can be found in Asian grocery stores or online; it’s a sweet-savory sauce essential to the dish.
- Leftover okonomiyaki can be reheated gently in a skillet to retain crispiness.
