Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki
The ultimate Japanese savory pancake. A thick, airy batter heavily packed with finely chopped cabbage is pan-grilled until crispy, topped with savory pork belly, and absolutely smothered in thick, sweet sauce, mayonnaise, and dancing bonito flakes.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Course Sides & Appetizers
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Dashi stock or water
- 1/4 tsp Baking powder
- 2 Large eggs
- 4 cups Cabbage finely minced
- 1/4 cup Tenkasu tempura scraps
- 2 Green onions chopped
- 4 slices Thin pork belly
- 1/4 cup Okonomiyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp Japanese Mayonnaise Kewpie
- 1 pinch Katsuobushi bonito flakes
- 1 pinch Aonori
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and dashi stock until smooth. Let the batter rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Mix the Pancake Base: Just before cooking, aggressively add the heavily minced cabbage, Tenkasu (tempura scraps), chopped green onions, and the two eggs directly into the batter. Use a spoon to gently fold air into the mixture. Do not overmix; a loose, airy texture is crucial for a fluffy pancake.
Form the Pancake: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil it. Pour the entire cabbage mixture onto the pan, using a spatula to gently shape it into a thick, round, 1-inch tall pancake. Do not press it down flat!
Add the Pork and Flip: Lay the thin strips of pork belly completely covering the raw top of the pancake. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the bottom is deeply browned. Using two spatulas, confidently and quickly flip the entire pancake over so the pork side is down.
Cook Through and Garnish: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the pork is crispy and the cabbage inside is steamed and soft. Flip it one last time to a serving plate (pork side up). Smother the top heavily with thick Okonomiyaki sauce, drizzle a zigzag of Japanese mayonnaise, and cover with dancing bonito flakes and Aonori.
Keyword Pancake, Popular, Street Food