A Comprehensive Guide to Making Okonomiyaki at Home

Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, is a versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to personal tastes. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quick and easy meal or a celebratory dish with family and friends, this guide will walk you through the simple steps to make your very own Okonomiyaki at home.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup shredded cabbage 2-3 green onions, finely chopped 1/2 cup dashi (Japanese soup stock) or water 2 eggs 1/4 cup tempura scraps (tenkasu) or crispy fried onions (optional) 1/4 cup sliced cooked meat or seafood (like shrimp, squid, or thinly sliced pork belly) Okonomiyaki sauce (available at Asian grocery stores or homemade with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and sugar) Japanese mayonnaise Aonori (dried green seaweed flakes) Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the flour and dashi or water until you get a smooth batter. Ensure there are no lumps by properly mixing the ingredients.

Add the shredded cabbage, green onions, and eggs to the batter. If using, include the tempura scraps (tenkasu). Stir until everything is well combined.

Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil it. This helps in making the Okonomiyaki crisp and golden brown.

Pour a portion of the batter onto the pan, spreading it out into a circle about 1/2 inch thick. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until both sides are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, transfer the Okonomiyaki to a plate and drizzle with Okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. Sprinkle with aonori (dried green seaweed flakes) and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) for extra flavor and texture.

Slice the Okonomiyaki into wedges and serve hot. Feel free to customize your Okonomiyaki with additional toppings like sliced mushrooms, cheese, or pickled ginger. Enjoy the festive and versatile flavor of this traditional Japanese dish in the comfort of your home.

Customization Tips

Okonomiyaki is incredibly versatile, and you have wide options for customizations. If you want to try a version that is a bit lighter, you can start with 100 grams of okonomiyaki flour, 100 ml of water, one egg, and a generous amount of shredded cabbage. Add diced or sliced red ginger, and tenkasu (crispy fried onions) if you want to give it some crunch. Use a preheated pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on low-medium heat. You can add pork slices or substitute them with squid or shrimp. When the bottom side is lightly browned, flip the Okonomiyaki and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes. Once done, add sauce and mayonnaise. This version remains light and flavorful, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends.