When you can’t visit Japan, enjoy the next best thing with these Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancakes).
Ever daydreamed about zapping yourself to the heart of Japan? Of course, you have. Well, your stomach can visit, if not your entire body, with this okonomiyaki recipe—yummy Japanese pancakes stuffed with a delicious savory combo of thinly sliced cabbage, spring onions, and panko breadcrumbs. And the best part? This recipe is so simple that anyone can make it, regardless of your comfort level in the kitchen.
Though they look like a cousin of American pancakes or an Italian frittata due to their cute round shape, Okonomiyaki pancakes are in a different league (different continent, even!) thanks to their unconventional mix of ingredients and cool toppings, like crumbled nori sheets and sesame seeds. While pancakes over here are the foundation for the sweet side of breakfast, their Japanese counterparts take savory to headlining heights. Imagine a dish jam-packed with a ton of textures and flavor fireworks; that’s your okonomiyaki experience right there!
Is Okonomiyaki Healthy?
Not only is this Japanese dish yummy, but it can also deliver on the healthy front. That mouth-watering pancake loaded with cabbage gives you some needed vitamins and fiber. The eggs, meanwhile, deliver the protein for your muscles and keep you feeling full longer. As is true with many dishes, though, the “healthiness” of okonomiyaki depends on what you throw in, what kind of toppings you add, and how big your serving is, so keep that in mind when you start exploring the list of ingredients. As written, this recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free, provided you buy GF panko.
What Is Okonomiyaki?
Okonomiyaki is a comfort food dish that comes straight from Japan, namely the cities of Osaka and Hiroshima. Its name says it all: Okonomi means “whatever you like,” while yaki is “grilled.” How’s that for a recipe to play around with? If you don’t experiment with your okonomiyaki, you’ll be doing the name a disservice! We refer to it as a Japanese pancake, but some think of it more like a Japanese pizza, given the way you can mix and match your favorite toppings.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once the pancakes have cooled, wrap them in plastic and keep them in the fridge. There they will last up to 3 days. If you want to keep them around longer, pop the wrapped pancakes into a freezer-friendly bag. Just be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. They’ll keep in the freezer for around 2 months. When you’re ready to dine, defrost them in the fridge overnight and then warm them up ever so gently in a skillet or toaster oven.
Serving Suggestions
If you want to have an authentic experience, serve your okonomiyaki warm, garnished with a dollop of Homemade Japanese Mayo or Japanese BBQ Sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and some nori flakes for that extra umami flavor. Pair it with a simple miso soup or Sunomono Cucumber Salad for a balanced meal. Truly feeling Japanese? Reach for a cold Japanese beer or a warm sake.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 2 tablespoons chopped spring onions about 1 bunch
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- pinch of salt
- 2 eggs beaten
- Extra-virgin olive oil for frying
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Nori sheets for garnish
- Mayonnaise for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the cabbage, chopped spring onions, panko, and salt. Gently mix with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
- In a small bowl lightly beat the eggs.
- Add the beaten eggs to the cabbage mixture and combine well.
- Once the cabbage mixture is combined, let it sit and rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat in a nonstick skillet. Scoop the cabbage mixture into the skillet and flatten gently with a spatula until the mixture is about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook the okonomiyaki for about 3 minutes on each side, or until browned. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Top with sesame seeds and nori. Serve hot with a side of mayonnaise.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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