Imagine the smell of a sizzling Japanese pancake filling your kitchen—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and loaded with flavor.

Today, we’re making Osaka-style Okonomiyaki, a savory treat that’s fun to cook and even more fun to eat. “Okonomi” means “as you like it,” so we can mix and match ingredients to suit our taste.

Every bite brings together crunchy vegetables, savory protein, and rich sauce—a mini Japanese street-food adventure without leaving home!

Ingredients for 2–3 Servings

To make this Okonomiyaki, we’ll need the following ingredients:

Batter:

- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

- 2 large eggs

- ¾ cup (180ml) water

- 1 tsp salt

Filling:

- ½ cabbage (about 200g), finely shredded

- 100g fresh shrimp (peeled and diced) or 100g chicken (cut into small pieces)

- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for frying)

Toppings:

- 2–3 tbsp Okonomiyaki sauce (or thick teriyaki sauce)

- 1–2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise

- 1 tsp aonori (dried seaweed flakes)

- 5–10g bonito flakes (they move when hot!)

- 1 tbsp chopped green onions

We recommend having all ingredients prepped and ready before starting to cook. This helps make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Sift 1 cup of flour into a medium mixing bowl to avoid lumps.

2. Add 2 eggs, ¾ cup water, and 1 tsp salt.

3. Whisk everything together until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable, creating a base that can hold the filling while cooking. A smooth batter ensures even cooking and a soft, tender center.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Shred ½ cabbage into fine strips. Smaller pieces help the pancake hold together and cook evenly.

2. Dice 100g shrimp or chicken into bite-sized pieces. Shrimp adds a light, fresh flavor, while chicken provides a savory, tender taste.

3. Mixing these ingredients later with the batter ensures every bite is balanced with texture and flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Shape

1. Gently fold the shredded cabbage and shrimp (or diced chicken) into the batter until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the pancake airy.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

3. Pour the mixture into the pan and shape it into a thick, round pancake about 1–1.5 cm high. A thicker pancake will give a nice soft center while remaining crispy outside.

Step 4: Cook the Pancake

1. Cook the pancake over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. The aroma of cooking cabbage and shrimp fills the kitchen—this is the moment the flavors start to develop.

2. Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes.

3. If needed, flip a couple more times to ensure both sides are crisp and the filling is fully cooked. The goal is a pancake that is crunchy on the outside, yet tender and juicy inside.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Drizzle 2–3 tbsp Okonomiyaki sauce over the cooked pancake in a zigzag pattern.

2. Add 1–2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise in another zigzag pattern for a creamy, tangy contrast.

3. Sprinkle 1 tsp aonori and 5–10g bonito flakes on top. Watch as the flakes move slightly from the heat—so fun!

4. Finish with 1 tbsp chopped green onions for freshness and color.

5. Cut into slices while hot and enjoy immediately. Each bite delivers a mix of textures and rich, umami flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Okonomiyaki

- Serve immediately for the best texture—the edges are crispy, and the center remains soft and juicy.

- Experiment with fillings: mushrooms, cheese, or different proteins can make the pancake unique each time.

- Medium heat works best; too high will burn the outside before the inside cooks fully.

- A non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet helps prevent sticking and ensures an even golden color.

Time to Savor Every Bite

Making Osaka-style Okonomiyaki at home is not just cooking—it’s an experience! From crispy edges to the rich, savory sauce, every bite is a delight. The best part is we can adjust the recipe to suit our taste and have fun in the kitchen. Next time we crave Japanese street food, there’s no need to order delivery. Let’s make our own Okonomiyaki—it’s simpler, more fun, and even more delicious than we imagine. We’re sure that once we try it, we’ll be making it again and again!