Homemade Okonomiyaki Recipe (Savory Japanese Cabbage Pancake)

Name: Homemade Okonomiyaki Recipe (Savory Japanese Cabbage Pancake)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 3 cups cabbage (finely shredded); 1 1/4 cups scallions (chopped); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 pieces eggs (beaten); extra virgin olive oil (for brushing); 2 tablespoons okonomiyaki sauce; 1 teaspoon Lady's Choice Japanese-Style Mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon pickled ginger; 1/2 nori sheet (dried seaweed), sliced

You don’t need to be a trained Japanese chef to whip up okonomiyaki at home. It’s so simple! The popular cabbage pancake, which translates to “grilled as you like it,” even lets you customize it to your taste. No need to worry about hunting for hard-to-find Japanese ingredients because this okonomiyaki recipe swaps specialty items for accessible pantry staples.

Tips

Make sure you shred the cabbage finely. If the cabbage is too chunky, the okonomiyaki won’t hold together.

25 min.
2 People
Easy

Ingredients

3 cups cabbage (finely shredded)
1 1/4 cups scallions (chopped)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 pieces eggs (beaten)
extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
2 tablespoons okonomiyaki sauce
1 teaspoon Lady's Choice Japanese-Style Mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon pickled ginger
1/2 nori sheet (dried seaweed), sliced

Cooking Method

Make the Okonomiyaki Mixture Time: 5 minutes Combine cabbage, scallions, breadcrumbs, and salt in a large bowl. Gently mix in the beaten eggs until the vegetables are evenly coated. Tip: Don’t overmix. Keeping the mixture light helps the okonomiyaki stay tender instead of dense.
Heat the Skillet Time: 2 minutes Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brush with olive oil. Tip: Make sure the pan is properly heated before adding the mixture so it sizzles slightly. This helps build a crisp, golden crust.
Cook the Okonomiyaki Time: 6 minutes Using a ¼ measuring cup, scoop the cabbage mixture into the skillet. Gently flatten each scoop with a spatula until about ½ inch thick. Cook for 3 minutes per side or until browned, lowering the heat as needed. Tip: Look for a deep golden crust and a set, springy center before flipping to avoid breaking.
Repeat with Remaining Mixture Time: 8 minutes Wipe the skillet and brush with more oil as needed. Repeat with remaining okonomiyaki mixture.
Add Okonomiyaki Toppings and Serve Time: 4 minutes Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and Lady’s Choice Japanese-Style Mayonnaise. Top with sesame seeds, pickled ginger, and nori. Serve hot.

What Is Okonomiyaki?

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake cooked into a large, plate-sized round. It’s made with shredded cabbage, eggs, and a light batter, then topped with a sweet-savory sauce, mayonnaise, and simple garnishes. Often served hot off the pan, it’s enjoyed as a quick meal or snack in casual dining spots and street-style settings.

Okonomiyaki Toppings Guide

Start with a generous amount of savory brown sauce and a zigzag drizzle of creamy mayonnaise. This rich, velvety layer is the secret to balancing the salty, grilled flavors of the base. To finish, sprinkle on sliced nori and sesame seeds for an earthy crunch. If you want a hit of bright, acidic flavor to cut through the richness, don’t forget the pickled ginger.

How to Customize Your Okonomiyaki

Try tossing in chopped shrimp, squid, or even bits of bacon to the mixture before frying for an extra protein boost. If you’re a fan of heat, a dash of chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha can add a spicy edge. You can also swap the scallions for leeks or add shredded carrots for more sweetness. Just make sure your extra mix-ins don’t outweigh the cabbage and egg base.

What to Serve With Okonomiyaki

To balance the rich, savory flavors of your okonomiyaki, serve it with a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing, acidic crunch. End your meal with light-on-the-tummy desserts, like matcha pudding or coffee jelly, to cleanse your palate after a satisfying dish.