If you’ve ever wanted to try something uniquely Japanese but easy to make at home, learning how to cook okonomiyaki recipe is a great start. Okonomiyaki is often called a Japanese savory pancake — a mix of cabbage, eggs, and delicious toppings that come together into an umami-packed dish.
There are many ways to cook okonomiyaki, but today we’ll focus on the Osaka-style okonomiyaki recipe, which is the most common version you’ll find outside Japan. It’s fluffy, rich in flavor, and full of satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this recipe will impress anyone who takes a bite.
What Is Okonomiyaki?
Before we jump into how to cook okonomiyaki recipe, let’s understand what it is. The name okonomiyaki roughly translates to “grilled as you like it.” It’s made from a batter of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and other ingredients like pork belly, shrimp, or squid. Then it’s topped with Japanese mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, dried bonito flakes, and seaweed powder.
In Japan, there are two main styles — Osaka-style and Hiroshima-style. The Osaka-style mixes all the ingredients into the batter before cooking, while the Hiroshima version layers them. The Osaka version is simpler and perfect for home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To learn how to cook okonomiyaki recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
- 250g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- 70g corn flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 200ml dashi stock (Japanese soup base)
- 1/2 head of cabbage, finely shredded
- Pickled ginger (optional but adds great flavor)
- Tempura bits (crispy tempura flakes for crunch)
- Pork belly slices (or bacon, shrimp, or chicken)
- Okonomiyaki sauce (similar to sweet BBQ sauce)
- Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)
- Bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
- Nori flakes (seaweed powder)
- Spring onions, sliced
These ingredients are available at most Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find dashi, you can substitute it with chicken broth, but the authentic flavor comes from using real Japanese dashi.
Read also:- How to Cook Miso Soup Recipe
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Okonomiyaki Recipe
1. Make the Batter
Start by mixing 250g of flour, 70g of corn flour, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder in a bowl. Crack in two eggs and slowly whisk in the dashi stock until you get a smooth batter. It should be slightly thick — like pancake batter. Let it rest in the fridge for about 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Add-Ins
Thinly slice your cabbage — as fine as possible. Then chop the pickled ginger and spring onions. Add these, along with a handful of tempura bits, into your batter. Mix everything gently so that the cabbage is evenly coated but not overmixed.
3. Cook the Pancake
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a small drizzle of oil. Line the pan with slices of pork belly, then pour the batter mixture over them. Don’t press it down — let it settle naturally. Cook for 6–7 minutes on one side until golden brown.
When it’s time to flip, slide the pancake onto a plate, then invert it back into the pan. Cook for another 6–7 minutes until the other side is done. You can brush a thin layer of okonomiyaki sauce on both sides while it cooks for a caramelized glaze.
4. Add the Toppings
Once your okonomiyaki is cooked, slide it onto a plate and start decorating! Drizzle the okonomiyaki sauce generously across the top, then add Japanese mayonnaise in a crisscross pattern. Sprinkle bonito flakes, nori flakes, and chopped spring onions for that perfect final touch.
Tips to Make It Perfect
- Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the pancake light and fluffy.
- Use fresh cabbage for the best texture.
- Try different fillings — shrimp, squid, or cheese work great!
- Cook on medium heat so the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
Why You’ll Love This Okonomiyaki Recipe
Once you learn how to cook okonomiyaki recipe, you’ll realize how versatile it is. You can make it vegetarian, seafood-based, or meaty depending on what you have. It’s filling, fun to make, and gives you a taste of Japan right in your kitchen.
This Japanese savory pancake is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and layered with umami flavor from the sauces and toppings. Each bite is warm, savory, and slightly sweet — truly addictive!
So the next time you crave something different for dinner, try how to cook okonomiyaki recipe at home. It’s budget-friendly, easy, and unbelievably tasty.
Variations You Can Try
- Seafood Okonomiyaki – Add shrimp, squid, or octopus.
- Vegetarian Okonomiyaki – Skip the pork and use mushrooms and tofu.
- Cheese Okonomiyaki – Add shredded cheese inside for extra richness.
- Spicy Okonomiyaki – Mix chili flakes or spicy mayo into the batter.
Each variation follows the same basic process, so once you know how to cook okonomiyaki recipe, you can easily experiment with your favorite ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Making okonomiyaki at home is easier than it looks. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods. Once you master how to cook okonomiyaki recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes whenever you crave something savory, hearty, and fun to make.
