Okonomiyaki pancakes
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese pancake that is made with a variety of vegetables, meats, and sauces. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any meal. This savory pancake is made up of different ingredients, the most common being cabbage, which is shredded and mixed with a batter of flour, eggs, and dashi (a Japanese soup stock). Depending on the region, other ingredients may be added such as shrimp, squid, pork, or even cheese.
The word “okonomiyaki” is derived from two Japanese words, “okonomi” and “yaki.” “Okonomi” means “what you like” or “what you want” and “yaki” means “cooked” or “grilled.” So together, “okonomiyaki” means “cooked or grilled to your liking.”
This dish is most popular in the Kansai region of Japan, particularly in the city of Osaka, where it is often called “Osaka-style okonomiyaki.” In this style, the ingredients are mixed together and cooked in bulk on a large griddle. The pancake is then topped with a variety of sauces, such as okonomi sauce (a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce), mayonnaise, and bonito flakes (dried, shredded fish).
In other regions, such as Hiroshima, “Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki” is popular. Here, the ingredients are layered on top of each other, starting with a thin crepe-like batter, then piled high with cabbage, bean sprouts, pork, and noodles, before being flipped over and cooked on the other side. The pancake is then topped with the same delicious sauces as in Osaka-style.
Okonomiyaki is a very versatile dish and can be customized to your individual taste preferences. It can be made vegetarian by leaving out the meat or seafood, or gluten-free by using a substitute for regular flour. It is also easy to make at home, with many recipes available online.
To make okonomiyaki, you will need a few key ingredients, including cabbage, flour, eggs, dashi, and any other desired meats or vegetables. The ingredients are mixed together to create a batter, which is then cooked on a hot griddle until crispy and golden brown. Once the pancake is cooked, it is topped with a variety of sauces, including okonomi sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
In conclusion, if you are looking to try something new and delicious, then okonomiyaki is the perfect dish for you. With its savory combination of vegetables, meats, and sauces, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and satisfied. Whether you are in the mood for Osaka-style or Hiroshima-style, this dish is easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking. So why not give it a try and start enjoying this tasty Japanese pancake today!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon or shrimp
- 1/4 cup pickled ginger, chopped
- 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce (can substitute with Worcestershire sauce)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the water and egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the cabbage, scallions, bacon or shrimp, and pickled ginger until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Generously coat the skillet with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
- Ladle about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake, depending on desired size.
- Allow each pancake to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the pancakes are cooking, mix together the okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise.
- Top each pancake with a drizzle of the sauce mixture and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!