🥢🥬🥓✨ Okonomiyaki – Japanese Savoury Pancakes Recipe: Crispy, Fluffy & Irresistible

🥢🥬🥓✨ Okonomiyaki – Japanese Savoury Pancakes Recipe: Crispy, Fluffy & Irresistible

If you’ve never tried Okonomiyaki, Japan’s beloved savory pancake, get ready for your new favorite comfort food! 🇯🇵✨ Okonomiyaki is a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside Japanese pancake made with cabbage, eggs, flour, and an endless variety of add-ins — from bacon to shrimp to cheese. Its name literally means “grilled as you like it”, and that’s the beauty of this dish — it’s completely customizable. Topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, creamy Japanese mayo, bonito flakes, and seaweed, this dish is as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or an at-home Japanese night, this recipe brings the sizzling street-food magic of Osaka right to your kitchen. 🍳🥢💛

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Servings: 2 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For 2–3 Servings:

1 ½ cups finely shredded cabbage 🥬
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs 🥚
¼ cup dashi stock or water
2 green onions finely chopped
3 –4 slices bacon or pork belly, cut into halves 🥓
½ tsp salt
½ tsp soy sauce optional for umami flavor
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
Toppings Traditional & Optional
Okonomiyaki sauce or BBQ + Worcestershire mix
Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie
Aonori dried seaweed flakes
Bonito flakes katsuobushi
Pickled ginger beni shoga
Chopped green onions

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Nonstick frying pan or electric griddle
Spatula (wide for flipping)
Measuring cups & spoons
Knife & cutting board

Method

Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, dashi stock, salt, and soy sauce.
Mix until smooth, then fold in shredded cabbage and green onions.
Stir gently to coat the cabbage evenly — it should be thick and chunky.

Heat the Pan

Heat oil in a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat.
Spoon about half the batter into the pan, spreading it into a thick circle (about 6–7 inches wide).

Add the Bacon

Lay bacon slices across the top of the pancake before flipping — this will cook into the surface for that crispy, savory layer.

Cook Until Golden

Cook for 4–5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
Carefully flip using two spatulas, and cook the other side for another 4–5 minutes.
The bacon should crisp up and the center should be fully set.

Add Toppings & Serve

Transfer to a plate. Brush with okonomiyaki sauce, drizzle Japanese mayo in zigzags, and sprinkle with aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.
Slice into quarters and serve hot! 🥢💛

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked pancakes for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven or skillet.

Reheating: Warm on medium heat in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side, or in the microwave for 1 minute.

🥄 Variations

Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki: Add yakisoba noodles and a fried egg on top for a classic Hiroshima twist. 🍜

Seafood Mix: Add shrimp, squid, or scallops for a coastal flavor. 🦐

Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle mozzarella or cheddar on top before flipping — melty perfection! 🧀

Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and add mushrooms, tofu, or corn. 🌱

Spicy Kick: Drizzle sriracha or add chili flakes to the batter. 🌶️

❓ 10 FAQs

What does “Okonomiyaki” mean?
It translates to “grilled as you like it,” referring to the customizable toppings and fillings.

Can I make it without dashi?
Yes! Use water or vegetable broth — dashi just adds a subtle umami depth.

Can I use regular mayo?
You can, but Japanese Kewpie mayo is creamier and slightly tangy — worth finding!

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free flour or rice flour instead of all-purpose.

What’s the difference between Osaka and Hiroshima styles?
Osaka style mixes ingredients in the batter, while Hiroshima style layers them (often with noodles).

Can I bake Okonomiyaki instead of frying?
It’s possible, but pan-frying gives that crisp edge and golden texture.

Can I add meat other than bacon?
Sure — ground pork, ham, or even chicken strips work well.

What sauce can I use if I don’t have Okonomiyaki sauce?
Mix BBQ sauce with Worcestershire and a little soy for a quick homemade version.

Can I make the batter ahead?
Yes — refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Stir before cooking.

Can I eat Okonomiyaki cold?
It’s best hot, but it’s still tasty at room temperature or lightly reheated!

🏁 Conclusion

This Okonomiyaki – Japanese Savoury Pancakes Recipe is everything you love about comfort food: crispy edges, soft centers, and endless flavor possibilities. 🥬🥓🥢✨

It’s easy, fun to make, and endlessly customizable — perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With its golden exterior, savory fillings, and flavorful toppings, this dish brings the taste of Japanese street food right to your home kitchen.

So grab your skillet, get creative, and grill it “as you like it” — because that’s the true spirit of Okonomiyaki! 🇯🇵💛