Irresistible Okonomiyaki: 2 Amazing Savory Tips

Name: Irresistible Okonomiyaki: 2 Amazing Savory Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups Okonomiyaki flour mix; 1 1/4 cups Dashi or water; 2 large eggs; 1/2 lb Pork belly slices or bacon, thinly sliced; 1 cup Shredded cabbage; 1/4 cup Chopped green onions; 1/4 cup Tenkasu (tempura scraps); Optional: 1/4 cup Sakura denbu (sweet, dried shredded fish); Okonomiyaki sauce; Japanese mayonnaise; Katsuobushi (bonito flakes); Aonori (dried seaweed flakes)

by dorina alena

September 2, 2025

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Irresistible Okonomiyaki Japanese Savoury has a way of transporting me straight back to the bustling streets of Osaka. I still remember my first bite of this savory pancake – a warm, slightly crisp exterior giving way to a fluffy, cabbage-filled interior, all smothered in a tangy, sweet sauce and creamy mayo. It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to recreate in your own kitchen. This Japanese savoury pancake recipe is my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a special occasion. If you’re looking for an easy okonomiyaki at home that will wow your family, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Okonomiyaki Recipe

An explosion of savory and sweet flavors that’s incredibly satisfying.
Super quick prep time of just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
A healthier option than many fried dishes, packed with veggies.
Budget-friendly ingredients make it an economical choice for any meal.
It’s an incredibly fun dish to make, especially for the family.
You can easily achieve an easy okonomiyaki at home that rivals restaurant quality.
Customizable with your favorite fillings and toppings for a personalized experience.
A fantastic way to enjoy a delicious Japanese savoury pancake recipe any day of the week.

Ingredients for Irresistible Okonomiyaki

Gathering the best okonomiyaki ingredients is key to unlocking that authentic Japanese flavour. This recipe relies on a few special items to get that perfect savory pancake batter.

2 cups Okonomiyaki flour mix – This specialized flour blend is essential for the right texture and flavour.
1 1/4 cups Dashi or water – Dashi provides a deeper umami flavour for an authentic okonomiyaki taste, but water works too.
2 large eggs – These bind everything together and add richness.
1/2 lb Pork belly slices or bacon, thinly sliced – This adds a wonderful savory and crispy element.
1 cup Shredded cabbage – Fresh, finely shredded cabbage is crucial for the pancake’s fluffy interior.
1/4 cup Chopped green onions – For a fresh, sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
1/4 cup Tenkasu (tempura scraps) – These little bits of fried tempura batter add a delightful crunch and absorb flavour beautifully.
Optional: 1/4 cup Sakura denbu (sweet, dried shredded fish) – For a touch of sweetness and a pretty pink hue.
Okonomiyaki sauce – A thick, sweet, and savory sauce that’s a must-have topping.
Japanese mayonnaise – Creamy and tangy, it complements the sauce perfectly.
Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) – These dance on the hot pancake, adding a smoky, umami finish.
Aonori (dried seaweed flakes) – For a final touch of oceanic flavour and aroma.

How to Make Irresistible Okonomiyaki

Step 1: Let’s start this simple okonomiyaki preparation by preheating your griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. If you’re using a frying pan, add a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a big bowl, whisk together the Okonomiyaki flour mix and your Dashi or water until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This forms the base of your savory okonomiyaki batter.
Step 3: Gently stir in the 2 large eggs, the 1 cup shredded cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and the 1/4 cup tenkasu. If you’re feeling fancy, add the optional 1/4 cup sakura denbu now too. The key here is to mix until everything is just combined; overmixing can make the pancake tough.
Step 4: Pour about half of your savory okonomiyaki batter onto the hot griddle, shaping it into a circle about 8 inches across. You want it to be roughly an inch thick.
Step 5: Arrange half of the 1/2 lb pork belly slices or bacon evenly over the top of the batter. This is where that amazing savory pancake aroma starts to fill your kitchen.
Step 6: Let it cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on the bottom, and you’ll see the pork belly starting to render and crisp up.
Step 7: Now for the fun part – flipping! Carefully slide a spatula underneath and confidently flip the entire okonomiyaki over. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; mine never are on the first try!
Step 8: Cook the second side for another 5-7 minutes, until it’s also golden brown and the pork is nice and crispy. The cabbage inside should be tender.
Step 9: Once both sides are beautifully cooked, generously brush the top with Okonomiyaki sauce and then drizzle with Japanese mayonnaise. Get creative with your patterns!
Step 10: Finish it off with a sprinkle of Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) – watch them dance from the heat! – and a dusting of Aonori (dried seaweed flakes).
Step 11: Repeat the process with the remaining batter and pork to make your second Irresistible Okonomiyaki. Enjoy this delicious Japanese okonomiyaki dish immediately!

Irresistible Okonomiyaki: 2 Amazing Savory Tips - Irresistible Okonomiyaki Japanese Savoury - additional detail

Okonomiyaki Cooking Tips for Authentic Taste

Achieving that genuine authentic okonomiyaki taste at home is totally doable with a few insider tricks. These okonomiyaki cooking tips will elevate your savory pancake from good to absolutely amazing.

Use dashi broth instead of water for a deeper, more complex umami flavor in your batter.
Don’t skip the tenkasu (tempura scraps); they add a fantastic textural contrast and soak up deliciousness.
Ensure your griddle or pan is hot before adding the batter to get that perfect crispy exterior.
Let the pork belly render and crisp up properly on each side for maximum flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Irresistible Okonomiyaki?

The secret lies in the savory okonomiyaki batter. Using dashi and incorporating tenkasu creates a wonderfully light yet flavorful base that holds all the delicious fillings. Don’t overmix, or it can become dense. For more on Japanese cooking techniques, you can check out Just One Cookbook’s basics.

Can I make Irresistible Okonomiyaki ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter and chop all your ingredients a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mix the batter and cabbage just before cooking for the freshest result. If you have questions about food preparation, our contact page is a great resource.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Japanese savoury pancakes?

A common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which makes the pancake tough. Another is not getting the pan hot enough, leading to a greasy, unevenly cooked pancake. Ensure your griddle is medium-hot and don’t stir the batter too much! For more detailed information on cooking temperatures, consult Serious Eats’ cooking guides.

Best Ways to Serve Irresistible Okonomiyaki

Once your masterpiece is ready, it’s time to talk about serving this incredible Japanese savoury pancake. The classic way to enjoy it is to generously slather it with Okonomiyaki sauce and a zigzag of Japanese mayonnaise. Then, add a sprinkle of Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and Aonori (seaweed flakes) for that authentic finish.

For amazing Okonomiyaki toppings ideas, consider adding some pickled red ginger (beni shoga) for a tangy contrast, or even a fried egg on top for extra richness, making it a complete meal. This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main course, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side of miso soup or a light green salad. It’s truly a delightful Japanese okonomiyaki dish for any occasion. For more about Japanese cuisine, you might find Japan.Travel’s food section informative.

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Nutrition Facts for Irresistible Okonomiyaki

This Japanese savoury pancake recipe is surprisingly satisfying for its calorie count. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, keeping in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and toppings.

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you add extra toppings or use different types of pork. For more information on nutritional data, please refer to our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Irresistible Okonomiyaki

Even though this homemade Japanese pancake is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, leftovers are still delicious! First, let any leftover okonomiyaki cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation, which can make it soggy. Once cooled, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Stored this way, your okonomiyaki should last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For any questions regarding our storage recommendations, feel free to check our terms and conditions.

For longer storage, you can freeze your okonomiyaki for up to 3 months. To reheat, the best method is to warm it gently in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, or pop it in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed. The microwave works in a pinch, but might make the texture a bit softer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Okonomiyaki

What is okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake dish, often described as a Japanese pizza or savory crepe. The name roughly translates to “grilled as you like it,” referring to the flexibility in ingredients. It’s a beloved street food and home-cooked meal across Japan, known for its delicious blend of textures and flavors.

Is okonomiyaki a healthy Japanese okonomiyaki dish?

While it’s packed with vegetables like cabbage and protein from pork or other additions, the toppings like Okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise can add sugar and fat. However, it’s generally considered a balanced meal when prepared with lean protein and moderate toppings. It’s a satisfying Japanese okonomiyaki dish that can be part of a healthy diet. For more on healthy eating, you can visit the NHS healthy eating guide.

Can I make okonomiyaki without Okonomiyaki flour mix?

Yes, you can! If you can’t find a dedicated Okonomiyaki flour mix, you can create your own. A basic substitute is all-purpose flour mixed with a pinch of baking powder for lift. Some recipes suggest adding a bit of dashi powder or MSG for that umami flavor. It might not be exactly the same, but it will still be a delicious savory pancake! If you need to find out more about us, please visit our about me page.

What are popular Okonomiyaki toppings ideas?

The classic toppings are Okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, Katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and Aonori (seaweed flakes). Beyond that, popular Okonomiyaki toppings ideas include pickled red ginger (beni shoga) for a tangy kick, a fried egg for added richness, or even a drizzle of Sriracha for some heat. You can truly customize it to your liking!

Variations of Irresistible Okonomiyaki You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Irresistible Okonomiyaki Japanese Savoury, you’ll be excited to know there are so many ways to enjoy this versatile dish! For a taste of regional specialties, try the famous Osaka style okonomiyaki, which is typically mixed all together like our recipe. Alternatively, explore the layered approach of Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, which often includes noodles and is built in distinct layers rather than mixed into a batter.

Looking for dietary adaptations? You can easily create a vegetarian version by omitting the pork and using extra vegetables like mushrooms or bean sprouts. For a lighter option, consider using a batter made with just flour and water, or experiment with gluten-free flour blends. The possibilities for this homemade Japanese pancake are endless!