A Japanese Staple Dish: Okonomiyaki

Here is an easy Japanese recipe that is sure to knock your socks off. And it takes no time at all. This traditional Japanese pancake or “okonomiyaki” as it is known in Japan means “cooked as you like it”. In Japanese, Okonomi means preference or personal taste whereas yaki means fried. Basically, the savory & popular street fare is a cross between a pancake and frittata. It is also referred to as “Japanese Pizza”.

In the traditional Osaka-style pancake, it is best to slice the cabbage thinly, add in the scallions, and then top it with thin pork belly stripes. But then as the name says, the dish is quite forgiving and you can add any ingredient on top to make it your way. In this recipe, we have a vegetarian treat waiting for you that you can prepare in under thirty minutes.

If you are looking for an all-purpose knife to help prepare this delicious dish we recommend Nakano’s Mito Santoku knife which can be used for vegetables, meats, and fish.

How to Make a Vegetarian Okonomiyaki:

Once the cabbage and scallions are chopped, you need to mix them with the panko (bread crumbs) and salt in a large mixing bowl. Toss them well.

Next, stir the beaten eggs into it gradually and mix. Tip: If it seems too dry, set it aside for 10 minutes. After that, heat a large griddle over medium-high heat and brush it with oil.

Now, with the aid of a cup, take ¼ cup of the cabbage batter to the skillet. Then, with the help of a spatula, spread it out slightly into a circle of ½ inch in length.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until browned on both sides.

Finally, remove it from the fire and serve it hot. Add the usual toppings:

Japanese mayonnaise
Sesame seeds
Dried green seaweeds
Pickled ginger

But again, you can make it your own by adding the toppings of your choice.

Don’t forget the Okonomiyaki sauce to complete the experience! You can get a ready-made sauce in any Japanese grocery store, but we suggest you make your own with four simple ingredients:

Worcestershire sauce
Ketchup
Sugar
Oyster sauce

Mix them well to create a thick consistency, have a taste and adjust the ingredients if needed.

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“This knife is incredible! We use a butcher block and I’ve never been able to slice through poultry so efficiently and cleanly. Not only is the craftsmanship of the handle and the blade second to none, but also it is a beautiful looking knife. It’s the first time I’ve ever used a knife of this quality and I’m sure this will make an addition to our kitchen for a long time.” – Josh Trent, Civilized Caveman CEO