hiroshima okonomiyaki;

The word okonomiyaki is a mouthful! It’s pronounced “oh-koh-noh-mi-ah-kee”. You may hear the dish described as a Japanese “savory pancake” or a “seafood pancake”. But what does that actually mean? I think Just One Cookbook defines it in western food terms better than I know how: a cross between “a savory pancake and a frittata.”

The “pancake” is not your iHop pancake, but rather a savory stack of delicious umami ingredients that happens to be held together with a little bit of batter. Okonomiyaki actually translates to “as you like it grilled.” The possibilities for fillings are endless and are part of the reason why it’s so hard to define for you here. So while I describe my recipe here, know that there’s so much flexibility and possibility out there in terms of ingredients!

I’m going to focus on the Hiroshima style of okonomiyaki here because it’s my favorite. There is also the Osaka style, where all the ingredients are mixed into the batter: cabbage, eggs, tempura scraps (tenkasu), pork belly, fish flakes, and more. But the Hiroshima style okonomiyaki actually layers the ingredients and, my personal favorite—adds noodles to the mix.

To make good okonomiyaki, here’s the ingredients I think are most important:

• Cabbage
• Okonomiyaki sauce
• Japanese mayo
• Bonito flakes (fish flakes)
• Tenkasu (Tempura scraps)
• Noodles (Yakisoba)
• Optional protein + additional ingredients

Cabbage

For me, cabbage is the base on which all the other ingredients are layered. It’s a mild, perfect base to layer on all the other flavors. I’d expect pretty much any grocery store to carry cabbage these days.

I typically use just standard green cabbage because it’s what I prefer. But you could also use Chinese cabbage or Napa cabbage. I don’t think I’ve ever seen red cabbage used, so while it might work I would probably choose a different cabbage to work with.

Okonomiyaki Sauce

If you’ve never tried it, this stuff is the definition of savory umami flavors. It’s so hard to describe that mouth watering feel I get as I picture it in my mind. It’s dark and thick and dreamy.

The brand I use is Otafuku, which I have been able to find in most asian grocery stores or on amazon.

Recipe replacement: Mix together 4 Tbsp ketchup, 3½ Tbsp Worchestershire sauce, 2 Tbsp oyster sauce, and 1½ Tbsp sugar.

Japanese (Kewpie) Mayo

Kewpie Mayo is a Japanese staple and is 100% NOT THE SAME as American mayonnaise. It has more flavor, is a little thicker and is drizzled and layered over the top of the pancake in what I find to be a rather iconic style for okonomiyaki.

People will tell you there is no substitute for Japanese Mayo. There isn’t, but if you’d like an approximation try: 1 cup American mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 Tbsp sugar.

You can actually get it off Amazon as well, though many Asian grocery stores carry it.

Tenkasu

Translated, tenkasu means tempura scraps. These bits of fried batter give the okonomiyaki some of its light airiness, but also some layer of texture in addition to flavor.

Your local Asian grocery is always the first place to look, but you can buy it on amazon

You could also fry your own with tempura batter, or use leftovers when you make tempura shrimp bowls.

You can also substitute panko breadcrumbs. Some other substitutions I haven’t tried but might also work: crushed pork rinds or crushed potato chips.

Yakisoba Noodles

Noodles are specific to the Hiroshima style, noodles really set the dish apart. You’ll want to use yakisoba noodles which are used for a savory stirfry and it’s even better if they come with the yakisoba seasoning packets.

Note that yakisoba noodles are not soba (buckwheat) noodles but rather Chinese noodles made from wheat flour. I find mine in the refrigerated section of our Asian grocery store.

If you can’t find yakisoba noodles my next suggestion would be udon rice noodles or ramen noodles. You want quality noodles here. There’s a time and a place for instant noodles and this isn’t it. Fresh noodles are the best, but dried noodles will do in a pinch.

Bonito Flakes

These light and wispy fish flakes are often piled high on okonomiyaki. They can be a little off-putting if you’re not prepared for it—they actually move. They’re so light and airy that the steam rising from your okonomiyaki can cause them to move and writhe ever so slightly.

This is another ingredient that you can find on Amazon if you have no options nearby.

Honestly I suspect that this might be an ingredient that many people leave off. It can be a little intimidating, and while I love the full effect with the bonito flakes, I will say truthfully that I don’t really much mind if they’re there or not. It is kinda fun to watch the steam as it make them curl.

Optional Ingredients

It’s easy to make okonomiyaki vegetarian if you so choose. But if you’re looking to add protein to the pancake, then try these options:

• Pork belly or bacon
• Scallops
• Shrimp
• Dried baby shrimp
• Calamari
• Octopus

Depending on your preferences, here are some additional ingredients you can consider adding!

• Garlic
• Scallions
• Chives
• Fried egg
• Bean sprouts

secrets to success;

• Prep prep prep! Mise en place (prepare all your ingredients first). This is not a recipe you can “wing”, especially if it’s your first try. There’s a lot going on and you’ll need to be able to react quickly.
• Tailor the ingredients to your preferences. Because the ingredients are layered, it’s quite easy to add the things you love and skip the things you’re not so fond of. I do recommend at least trying the traditional ingredients to really understand the full flavors of the dish! Or better yet, go to Japan and have someone else make it for you!
• Check your local Asian grocery store first. I’ve had reasonable luck with most ingredients at H Mart or some other local chains. If you live in a metropolitan area, don’t discount your American grocery stores either. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at what I can find in the Asian or foreign food aisles.
• If you have multiple frying pans, you’ll make your life easier. Omelette pans are best for keeping the okonomiyaki a good size. And having multiple means you can flip each pancake between them, or have multiple okonomiyaki cooking at once.

Looking for other Asian inspired meal ideas? Try these options:

• Chili crisp udon noodles make for an easy spicy weeknight meal.
• For a sweet treat of Japanese sweet bread, try this chocolate chip melon pan (メロンパン).
• Always a hit, shrimp tempura bowls are delicious!

To read more about Japan or plan your own trip there, check out these articles from my own travels and experience in Japan:

• Everything you need to know about japanese regional kitkats
• Japan: a guide to wagyu beef in japan and where to get it for cheap
• Japan: the ultimate travel guide – including a food bucket list!