Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake whose name suggests cooking it with whatever you like. This home-style version uses cabbage, pork belly, dashi, and the classic sweet-savory toppings.
Keep the batter light and fold in the cabbage just before cooking. A covered first side steams the center, while the uncovered finish lets the edges brown and crisp.
Do not press down on the pancake with your spatula. Leaving the mixture undisturbed helps the cabbage stay airy and the crust develop.
Serving Suggestions
Add pickled ginger, aonori, bonito flakes, and extra scallions at the table. A simple cucumber salad or miso soup makes an easy Japanese-style meal.
Recipe Notes
The batter is best cooked right away, but shredded cabbage and toppings can be prepped ahead. For a vegetarian version, replace the pork with sliced mushrooms and use kombu dashi.
Japanese Okonomiyaki (Savory Cabbage Pancake)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Whisk
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 4 cups green cabbage finely shredded
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dashi cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 4 scallions scallions sliced
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
Pork and Cooking
- 4 oz thin-sliced pork belly
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
Toppings
- 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp aonori
- 1/4 cup bonito flakes
Instructions
Mix:
- Whisk the flour, dashi, eggs, and salt until just combined. Fold in the cabbage and scallions without overmixing.
- Divide the mixture into two portions and keep the pork slices ready beside the skillet.
Cook:
- Heat half the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add one portion of batter and shape it into a thick round. Lay half the pork over the top.
- Cover and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip carefully, cover again, and cook until the cabbage is tender and the pork is browned. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Top and serve:
- Drizzle each pancake with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. Sprinkle with aonori, bonito flakes, and remaining scallions.
- Slice into wedges and serve immediately.
Notes
- Mix the cabbage into the batter just before cooking.
- Never flatten the pancake while it cooks.
- Use vegetarian dashi and mushrooms for a meat-free version.