Japanese Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake)
Okonomiyaki, often referred to as a Japanese savory pancake, is a popular dish filled with a variety of ingredients, "okonomi" literally meaning "as you like" in Japanese. This dish allows for a lot of creativity and personalization based on your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups finely chopped cabbage
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup cooked meat (such as bacon, shrimp, or squid), chopped (optional)
- Okonomiyaki sauce (available at Asian grocery stores)
- Mayonnaise
- Dried seaweed (nori), finely shredded
- Bonito flakes
- Oil for cooking
- Salt, to taste
Cooking Method:
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Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, flour, water, eggs, and green onions. Mix well until a thick, pancake-like batter forms. If you're adding meat, fold it into the batter now. Season the batter with a pinch of salt.
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Heat the Grill: Preheat your Teppanyaki grill or a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface.
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Cook the Pancakes: Pour a portion of the batter onto the grill, shaping it into a round pancake about 1/2 inch thick. The size of your pancakes can vary, but they should be manageable to flip.
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Golden Brown Cooking: Allow the pancake to cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the edges start to firm up. Carefully flip the pancake with a spatula and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
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Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the okonomiyaki to a plate. Drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise in a criss-cross pattern. Sprinkle shredded dried seaweed (nori) and bonito flakes on top for added flavor and texture.
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Serving Suggestion: Okonomiyaki is best served hot, straight off the grill. It can be a main dish or served as a part of a larger meal with other Japanese favorites.
This Japanese Okonomiyaki recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the cabbage providing a nice crunch, and the savory toppings creating a rich taste profile. It's a fun and interactive dish to prepare, perfect for family dinners or social gatherings where everyone can customize their pancake. Enjoy the delicious blend of traditional Japanese flavors in every bite!