how2heroes » Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)

Appetizers » Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)

Pancake batter is made savory for a popular Japanese street food. Debra Samuels uses a filling of shrimp and pork, scallions, red ginger and eggs. Plus she makes a Bull-Dog Sauce (we love that name!) with grated apples and Worcestershire sauce. Debra reminds us that choice is the spice of life and encourages trying different fillings according to taste or preference. Easy to make, aromatic and delicious.

Print Recipe

Makes 2 (6" each) pancakes

Ingredients

Batter

1 cup water
1 cup flour
1 egg white, beaten until foamy

Filling - divided between 2 bowls

2 cups shredded cabbage
10 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined & halved
2 oz pork, thinly-sliced
4 scallions, sliced in large pieces
1 tbsp pickled red ginger (beni or kizami shoga)
2 large eggs
2 tbsp canola oil

Bull-Dog Sauce (Tonkatsu)

½ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp finely-grated apple (skin-on)
¼ cup water (if needed)

Suggested Toppings

2 tbsp dried seaweed shavings (aonori)
2 tbsp dried shredded bonito flakes (katsuo-bushi)
drizzle of mayonnaise

Equipment

10" - 12" skillet

How-to

Make Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water and flour. Batter doesn't have to be completely smooth
Mix in beaten foamy egg white and divide the batter between two medium bowls
Divide the cabbage, shrimp, pork, ginger and green onions (scallions) between the two bowls. Make a well in the center of each bowl and break one egg into each well. Mix all ingredients
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a 10” – 12” skillet over medium-high until just hot, about 45 seconds
Pour the entire batter of one bowl into the skillet. Cook on medium heat for 3 minutes, until the bottom of the pancake is golden
To flip, invert the pancake onto a plate, then slide back into the pan. Press against the top of the pancake to flatten
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake 2 more times, cooking it for 1 minute on each side, or until the meat looks cooked and the egg completely set. Remove to a plate
Repeat this cooking process with the remaining oil and bowl of batter. While the last pancake is cooking, make the sauce

Make Bull-Dog Sauce (Tonkatsu)

Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. (For a thicker sauce, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and allow to cook 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3 minutes. Turn off heat, taste, and add water if desired)

Plate & Garnish

To serve, brush or drizzle on the sauce
Add the mayonnaise if using, and sprinkle on the seaweed and fish flakes. To serve, cut pancakes into wedges and serve extra sauce on the side