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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Cabbage Pancake) Recipe

J. Kenji López-Alt
Okonomiyaki (Japanese Cabbage Pancake) Recipe

Osaka-style soul food. [Photographs: J. Kenji López-Alt]

Okonomi means "how you want it," and an okonomiyaki is one of the world's most infinitely adaptable dishes. The shredded or chopped cabbage in the base is a given, but beyond that, you can add whatever you'd like to the batter. Once you've got a few Japanese staples in your pantry (all of which have a shelf life of forever), making it at home is cheap, quick, easy, and filling. Best of all, it's great for using up leftovers.

Why It Works

  • A low ratio of flour to liquid and grated mountain yam give this okonomiyaki a creamy, light texture in the center.
  • Ginger mixed directly into the batter provides extra flavor.

Read more: How to Make Okonomiyaki: Japanese Comfort, Any Way You Like It

  • Yield:Makes 1 large okonomiyaki, serving 2 to 3
  • Active time: 30 minutes
  • Total time:30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 small head cabbage, finely shredded (about 4 packed cups; 14 ounces; 400g)
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced, dark green parts reserved separately
  • 2 ounces (50g) beni-shoga (Japanese pickled red ginger), divided (see note)
  • 1/2 ounce (15g) katsuobushi, divided (see note)
  • 1/4 pound (120g) yamaimo, peeled and grated on the smallest holes of a box grater (optional; see note)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water or dashi (or use cold water with 2 teaspoons Hondashi; see note)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (3 3/4 ounces; 110g)
  • 8 to 10 thin slices uncured pork belly (optional; see note)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil (if not using pork belly)
  • Ao-nori, okonomiyaki sauce, and Kewpie mayonnaise, for serving (see note)

Directions

  1. 1.

    Combine cabbage, scallion whites and half of greens, half of beni-shoga, 3/4 of katsuobushi, yamaimo, eggs, and water (or dashi) in a large bowl. Sprinkle with flour. Stir with a fork and beat heavily until a thick batter with plenty of bubbles forms. Set aside.

  2. 2.

    If using pork belly, cover the bottom of a 10-inch nonstick skillet with pork belly and set over medium heat. Add okonomiyaki mixture and spread into an even layer with a fork. If not using pork belly, heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add okonomiyaki mixture and spread into an even layer with a fork.

  3. 3.

    Cover and cook, shaking pan occasionally, until bottom layer is crisp and well browned, about 10 minutes, lowering heat as necessary if cabbage threatens to burn.

  4. 4.

    To flip, drain off any excess fat, then, working over a sink and holding the lid tightly against pan with a pot holder, flip entire pan and lid over so that okonomiyaki transfers to pan lid. Remove pan, then carefully slide okonomiyaki off lid and back into pan, browned side up.

  5. 5.

    Return to heat, cover, and continue to cook, shaking gently, until both sides are browned and okonomiyaki is not runny but still custardy and tender in the center, about 8 minutes longer. Transfer to a serving platter, pork side up.

  6. 6.

    Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise; sprinkle with ao-nori, remaining beni-shoga, remaining katsuobushi, and remaining scallion greens; and serve immediately off of a communal plate.

This Recipe Appears In
How to Make Okonomiyaki: Japanese Comfort, Any Way You Like It
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