Okonomiyaki is a popular and delicious dish in Japanese cuisine. It is a thick pancake made of cabbage, eggs and flour, which can be filled with pork, squid, shrimp or other ingredients of your choice. The name “okonomiyaki” literally means “what you like grilled,” which is why the ingredients are often chosen at the discretion of the consumer.
The history of okonomiyaki dates back to post-war Japan, when people needed a nutritious and inexpensive meal. The basic ingredients were readily available and inexpensive, which made the dish very popular. Today, okonomiyaki is a culinary specialty of the Hiroshima area, where the pancake is served in layers and topped with soba noodles.
To make okonomiyaki, the ingredients are mixed into a batter and cooked on a hot plate or in a pan. The pancake is then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes and nori leaves.
If you’re looking to discover new flavors of Japanese cuisine, okonomiyaki is a must try. With its varied ingredients and simple preparation, it’s easy to see why it has become so popular.
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe idea for okonomiyaki:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup of flour
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
- 4 slices of bacon cut into pieces (optional)
- 1/4 cup okonomiyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup dried bonito flakes
- 2 nori leaves, cut into strips
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, eggs and water until smooth. Add shredded cabbage, chives and bacon (if using) and mix well.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the okonomiyaki batter into the pan, forming a circle 8-10 inches in diameter. Cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom.
- Using a spatula, flip the okonomiyaki over and cook on the other side for about 5 minutes.
- Remove okonomiyaki from pan and place on a plate.
- Brush okonomiyaki with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise, then sprinkle with dried bonito flakes and nori leaves cut into strips.
- Enjoy the okonomiyaki hot, cut into slices like a pizza.
