Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake packed with flavors and textures, featuring a base of cabbage, flour, and eggs, along with optional ingredients like shrimp, beef, or even cheese. The name “okonomiyaki” roughly translates to “as you like it,” and it truly lives up to that, as you can customize it with any mix-ins or toppings you prefer. Traditionally served with okonomiyaki sauce (a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce) and drizzled with Japanese mayo, this dish is crispy on the outside and soft and savory on the inside.
I first made Okonomiyaki when I was craving a fun, customizable meal, and it became an instant favorite in our house. The crispy edges combined with the tender inside and the umami-packed sauce made each bite incredibly satisfying. What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is—you can add a variety of proteins, or keep it vegetarian by using just cabbage and other vegetables.
What’s great about Easy Okonomiyaki is how simple it is to prepare. The batter comes together quickly, and you can make individual pancakes for everyone to enjoy. It’s also a great dish to make for brunch, lunch, or even a fun dinner night with family or friends. Whether you enjoy it with a classic topping or get creative with your own additions, this Okonomiyaki will always be a tasty and fun meal!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Casual gatherings
- Weeknight meals
- Japanese food lovers
- Savory pancake enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Easy Okonomiyaki will become your new favorite savory dish:
- Customizable Toppings: Adjust your toppings to suit your taste—add cheese, seafood, or more vegetables!
- Crispy Yet Tender: The outside is perfectly crispy while the inside stays soft and tender.
- Savory and Sweet Sauce: The Okonomiyaki sauce brings a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
- Simple to Make: With a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare.
- A Fun, Interactive Meal: Top your Okonomiyaki with your favorite ingredients and let everyone customize their own!
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of cabbage, pork, and savory sauce makes each bite a flavorful experience.
- Healthy Option: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, this dish is both nutritious and filling.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Okonomiyaki is just as delicious the next day—serve it cold or reheated!
- Family-Friendly: A great meal for kids and adults alike, everyone can enjoy the fun and tasty flavors.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the batter and toppings in advance for an easy meal later.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Okonomiyaki Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon dashi powder (or vegetable broth)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
The Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrot
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 slices beef belly or beef bacon, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon pickled ginger (optional)
For the Toppings:
- ¼ cup Okonomiyaki sauce (or Worcestershire sauce as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie preferred)
- Bonito flakes (optional)
- Seaweed flakes (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Shredded Cabbage: Adds texture and freshness to the batter.
- Beef Belly: The perfect protein, offering a savory and rich flavor.
- Okonomiyaki Sauce: The signature sauce that ties all the flavors together with its umami kick.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess to the topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Okonomiyaki Batter:
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, water, dashi powder, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Mix the Vegetables and Beef: Stir in shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped onion, green onions, and pickled ginger (if using).
- Cook the Okonomiyaki: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil it. Pour about ½ cup of the batter onto the skillet, shaping it into a round pancake about 6 inches wide.
- Add Beef Belly: Place a few pieces of beef belly on top of the batter and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until golden brown on both sides.
- Repeat for Remaining Pancakes: Continue with the remaining batter, cooking 2-3 Okonomiyaki at a time, depending on skillet size.
Assemble and Serve:
- Top with Sauce and Mayonnaise: Drizzle Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise over the cooked pancakes.
- Garnish: Add bonito flakes and seaweed flakes as desired.
- Serve: Slice into wedges and serve immediately, or enjoy it cold!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Easy Okonomiyaki:
- As a Quick Dinner: Serve it with a side of miso soup for a complete meal.
- With Rice: Pair with steamed white rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
- For Parties: Make mini Okonomiyaki for a fun and interactive appetizer at your next gathering.
- As a Snack: Perfect for a savory, midday treat or light lunch.
- With a Cold Drink: Pair with a chilled soda or iced tea for the ultimate casual meal.
- On Special Occasions: Serve as part of a Japanese-themed dinner party.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Add some pickled vegetables on the side to balance the savory flavors.
- For Lunchboxes: Pack it as a portable lunch option, perfect for taking to work or school.
- With Extra Toppings: Experiment with adding cheese, shrimp, or other proteins on top.
- With an Egg: Add a fried egg on top for extra richness and texture.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Cabbage: Make sure the cabbage is fresh and finely shredded for the best texture.
- Nonstick Skillet: A nonstick skillet makes flipping the Okonomiyaki easier and prevents sticking.
- Make It Your Own: Customize with your favorite toppings—seafood, cheese, or even kimchi!
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir gently to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Adjust Heat as Needed: If the pancake is cooking too fast, reduce the heat slightly to ensure it cooks through without burning.
Recipe Variations
- Seafood Okonomiyaki: Replace the beef with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Okonomiyaki: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Cheese Okonomiyaki: Add a handful of shredded cheese to the batter for a cheesy variation.
- Korean-Style Okonomiyaki: Add a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Spicy Beef Okonomiyaki: Use spicy beef belly or add chili flakes to the batter for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki: Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend or rice flour.
Special Equipment
- Nonstick Skillet or Griddle: For easy cooking and flipping.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To prepare the batter and mix the ingredients.
- Spatula: For flipping and shaping the pancakes.
- Basting Brush: For evenly spreading Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.
- Fine Grater: For grating the carrot and any other vegetables.
FAQ Section
- Can I make Okonomiyaki without dashi powder?
Yes, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a different flavor profile. - Can I freeze Okonomiyaki?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Okonomiyaki for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet over low heat. - How long does Okonomiyaki last in the fridge?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I use other meats besides beef?
Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, or even tofu can be used in place of beef. - Can I make Okonomiyaki in advance?
Yes, prepare the batter and fillings in advance and cook just before serving. - Can I add more vegetables to the batter?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. - Can I make Okonomiyaki sauce at home?
Yes, Okonomiyaki sauce can be made using ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. - How do I flip the Okonomiyaki without breaking it?
Use two spatulas to gently flip the pancake, ensuring even support. - Can I use regular mayonnaise?
Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise has a richer flavor, but regular mayonnaise will work too. - Can I make Okonomiyaki without beef belly?
Yes, you can skip the beef belly and add other proteins or more vegetables.
Conclusion
Easy Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that’s packed with flavor and customizable to your taste. The batter is made with simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, then you can add your favorite toppings such as beef belly, shrimp, or even vegetables. Once cooked, it’s drizzled with tangy okonomiyaki sauce and a sprinkle of bonito flakes, making it a truly mouthwatering dish. The result is a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-fluffy-on-the-inside pancake that’s perfect for a quick meal or even a fun family dinner.
This recipe is super versatile—you can swap in different proteins, like chicken or tofu, or even top it with a fried egg for extra richness. The beauty of Okonomiyaki is that you can adjust the ingredients and toppings based on what you have on hand, so it’s a perfect dish to get creative with. The sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and when combined with the crispy edges, it creates a delightful bite every time.
I can’t wait to see how your Easy Okonomiyaki turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you personalized your okonomiyaki!