Culinary Delights in Japan–Okonomiyaki
（Japanese pancake）
Okonomiyaki is a staple food in Japan.
Okonomiyaki is like a Japanese pizza. You can put whatever you like on it, like cabbage, meat, and seafood.
The common thread among them is that they’re loaded with veggies like cabbage and green onions.
With meat and eggs, plus whatever else you like, they make a complete, healthy meal that’s sure to fill you up.
The size and ingredients can be customized to accommodate various ages and timeframes, resulting in a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, from young children to senior citizens.
Okonomiyaki Ingredients（Serves 2）
- Cabbage 300ｇ
- Pork belly 80ｇ（6 sheets）
- Eggs 2pieces
- All-purpose flour 140ｇ
- Water 150ml
- Soup Stock Hondashi ２ teaspoons
- Okonomiyaki sauce To taste
- Mayonnaise To taste
- Optional Dried bonito To taste
- Optional Mountain yam or Chinese yam 120g （ This ingredient will make the dough fluffy.）
How to make Okonomiyaki
Cutting the Ingredients
First, cut the pork belly into 2-inch and season with salt and pepper.
Then, roughly chop a green cabbage.
To make okonomiyaki batter
To a bowl, add 140 grams of all-purpose flour, 150ml of water,
2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of dashi stock.
Whisk until combined.
POINT！
Using yam would give the batter a fluffy texture.
After the batter is well combined, fold in the cabbage.
POINT！
Increasing the amount of cabbage will result in a fluffier batter.
To cook the batter
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add oil.
Put one portion of the dough into the pan and spread it out to a diameter of about 15 cm.
Cook the dough for approximately 3 minutes, then top with a serving of pork belly and flip.
POINT！
The trick is to flip it over quickly and with force.
Cover and steam for about 4 minutes.
POINT！
Covering it will help it cook through evenly and become tender.
Remove the lid and cook until browned.
Flip it over again and cook for an additional 3 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
Make enough for everyone with the rest of the dough.
Finish it off with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise and Dried bonito.
Completion of the dish
Okonomiyaki is a beloved Japanese dish often referred to as “soul food.”
What sets okonomiyaki apart is its customizable nature.
You can freely incorporate your preferred ingredients such as pork, shrimp, squid, and a variety of vegetables to create a personalized dish.
By preparing an ample amount of batter, you can effortlessly serve a satisfying meal to a group of people.
I encourage you to try making okonomiyaki yourself！