Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that translates to “grilled as you like it.” These savory pancakes are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of savory bacon, crunchy cabbage, and sweet corn creates a delicious umami-packed dish.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these pancakes in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Okonomiyaki can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Batter:
- Bacon slices (substitute with pork belly)
- Plain flour
- Cornstarch
- Warm water with dashi powder (substitute with chicken or veg stock)
- Eggs
- Cabbage (substitute with wombok or napa cabbage)
- Spring onion
- Corn
- Vegetable oil
Toppings:
- Kewpie mayonnaise
- Okonomiyaki sauce
- Seaweed flakes
- Bonito flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, water with dashi powder, and eggs to make the batter.
- Add cabbage, spring onion, and corn to the batter.
- Cook bacon in a pan, then pour the batter over the bacon.
- Flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.
- Serve with toppings like mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, seaweed flakes, and bonito flakes.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a non-stick pan for easy flipping.
- Customize the toppings to your liking, such as adding pickled ginger or shrimp.
- Substitute ingredients based on dietary preferences, like using gluten-free flour.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Cook the pancake on low heat to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
- Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking for a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve okonomiyaki with a side of pickled vegetables, miso soup, or a refreshing Japanese beer for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make okonomiyaki without meat? Yes, you can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Can I freeze okonomiyaki? It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze cooked pancakes and reheat them later.
- Is okonomiyaki gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour and check the labels of other ingredients for gluten content.
- Can I make okonomiyaki ahead of time? Yes, you can make the batter and chop the ingredients ahead of time for quicker assembly.
Conclusion:
Try making okonomiyaki at home to experience the delicious flavors of this Japanese dish. Get creative with your toppings and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Share your feedback and enjoy the process of cooking this tasty treat!
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Okonomiyaki – Japanese Savoury Pancakes
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish consisting of savory pancakes filled with shredded cabbage, bacon, and other flavorful ingredients. Topped with a drizzle of mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, and traditional garnishes, these pancakes are a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 4 bacon slices, fat & rind removed
- 2/3 cup plain flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tsp dashi powder
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cabbage, finely shredded
- 1–2 spring onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
Toppings:
- 2 tbsp kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp okonomiyaki sauce
- 1 tsp seaweed flakes
- 1 tsp bonito flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, warm water with dashi powder, and eggs. Add shredded cabbage, spring onions, and corn.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat oil in a pan, pour batter to form pancakes, cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Top and serve: Drizzle with kewpie mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, seaweed flakes, and bonito flakes before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings with ingredients like shrimp, squid, or cheese.
- Adjust the thickness of the pancake to your preference for a crispier or more tender texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg