🥢 Okonomiyaki Recipe: A Savory Japanese Pancake That Hits All the Right Notes
If you’ve ever strolled through the streets of Osaka or Hiroshima—or even browsed your favorite food vlogs on YouTube—you’ve probably seen a golden, sizzling pancake covered in mayo swirls, savory sauce, and fluttering bonito flakes. That glorious dish is called okonomiyaki, and today, we’re diving into the world of this Japanese savory pancake to show you how easy and fun it is to recreate at home.
The name okonomiyaki loosely translates to “grilled as you like it,” and that’s exactly the spirit of this dish. You start with a batter, load it with shredded cabbage and whatever proteins or toppings you’re craving, and cook it up into something crispy, fluffy, rich, and deeply satisfying.
Let’s explore everything you need to know to make an authentic okonomiyaki recipe from scratch—plus tips, variations, and topping ideas that let you truly make it your own.
🍜 What Is Okonomiyaki?
At its core, okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that blends flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and dashi (Japanese broth), pan-fried on a hot griddle and topped with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, bonito flakes, and sometimes seaweed or pickled ginger.
There are two main regional styles of okonomiyaki in Japan:
- Osaka-style (Kansai-style): The most common version, where ingredients are mixed together into the batter and cooked like a thick pancake.
- Hiroshima-style: This version layers the ingredients and includes yakisoba noodles as part of the dish, creating a complex stack of textures and flavors.
🛒 Ingredients for a Traditional Okonomiyaki Recipe
Let’s start with the base ingredients. These are easy to find at Asian markets or online and form the core of a classic Osaka-style okonomiyaki.
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup dashi stock (or water if you don’t have dashi)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups finely shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Optional: 1/2 tsp baking powder (for extra fluffiness)
Common Fillings:
- 1/2 cup tenkasu (tempura flakes)
- 1/3 cup pickled red ginger (beni shoga)
- 4–6 slices of thin pork belly, or bacon
- Seafood like shrimp, scallops, or squid can also be used
Toppings:
- Okonomiyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie recommended)
- Aonori (seaweed flakes)
- Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
- Optional: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, extra ginger
👨🍳 How to Make Okonomiyaki Recipe: Step-by-Step
Ready to flip some pancakes? Here’s how to make Osaka-style okonomiyaki from scratch.
Step 1: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, dashi stock, and eggs until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Extras
Fold in the shredded cabbage, green onions, tenkasu, and pickled ginger. This mixture should be thick and chunky, almost like a slaw. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you heat the pan.
Step 3: Heat Your Pan
Use a non-stick skillet or a griddle over medium heat. Add a little oil to coat the bottom.
Step 4: Cook the Okonomiyaki
Scoop about 1 ½ cups of the mixture into the pan and shape it into a thick round (about 6 inches wide). Lay slices of pork belly or bacon on top of the pancake.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, until the bottom is golden and set.
Step 5: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula or two. Press gently to flatten it a bit. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, uncovered, until the pork is cooked and the pancake is golden and crispy on both sides.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Transfer the okonomiyaki to a plate. Drizzle generously with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayo. Sprinkle with bonito flakes, aonori, and more green onions if you like.
Serve immediately while the pancake is hot and the bonito flakes are still dancing from the heat!
🍽️ What Is Okonomiyaki Sauce?
This sweet, tangy, umami-rich sauce is a must for an authentic okonomiyaki experience. It’s a little like Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and ketchup all had a beautiful Japanese baby.
Quick Homemade Okonomiyaki Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
Mix it all together and taste-test until it hits the right sweet-savory balance. Store-bought brands like Otafuku are excellent too if you want the real deal.
🥬 Variations and Customizations
True to its name, okonomiyaki means “as you like it,” so don’t feel confined to the standard recipe. Here are a few creative ways to tweak it:
1. Seafood Okonomiyaki
Swap the pork for shrimp, squid, or even a mix of seafood. Perfect for pescatarians or seafood lovers.
2. Vegetarian Okonomiyaki
Omit the meat and load up on mushrooms, sweet corn, or tofu. Use extra cabbage and onions for crunch and flavor.
3. Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki
Instead of mixing everything together, layer the ingredients: start with a thin batter on the bottom, followed by cabbage, noodles, meat, and an egg on top. It’s a bit more work, but totally worth it.
4. Cheese Okonomiyaki
Add shredded cheese to the batter or sprinkle some on top before serving for a creamy, melty twist.
5. Modern Takes
Experiment with fusion: add kimchi, teriyaki chicken, or even use the batter to make mini okonomiyaki sliders.
🧊 Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Okonomiyaki holds up surprisingly well and makes a great lunch the next day.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan or oven to maintain crispiness—avoid the microwave if you want to keep that signature texture.
You can also freeze cooked okonomiyaki for up to a month. Wrap tightly and reheat straight from frozen in a covered skillet.
🎌 Why Okonomiyaki Is So Much More Than “Japanese Pancakes”
Calling okonomiyaki a “pancake” doesn’t really do it justice. Sure, it’s cooked on a griddle and flipped like a pancake—but it’s rich with umami, layered with textures, and full of personal history for many Japanese families. It’s weeknight dinner, street food snack, and comfort food all rolled into one.
It’s also deeply social. In Japan, you’ll find okonomiyaki restaurants where diners sit around a hotplate and cook their own pancake just the way they like it. It’s casual, fun, and delicious—everything you want in a shared meal.
📝 Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own with This Okonomiyaki Recipe
Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or a seasoned fan of Asian flavors, this okonomiyaki recipe is one of the easiest and most satisfying dishes you can master at home. It’s quick, customizable, and uses simple ingredients—plus, it feels like a little culinary adventure every time you flip that sizzling pancake.
Try it once, and we’re betting it’ll become a staple in your weekly dinner lineup. From pork belly to shrimp, classic to creative, okonomiyaki is truly the dish that lets you cook from your cravings.
So grab your spatula, mix up that batter, and get flipping. Your taste buds (and maybe your housemates) will thank you.
