How to Make Delicious Okonomiyaki at Home: Easy Recipe & Ingredients
If you’ve ever visited Japan or watched a Japanese cooking show, you’ve probably come across Okonomiyaki—often referred to as "Japanese pizza" or "savory pancake." It’s a delicious, versatile dish that’s super easy to make at home. And the best part? You don’t need to be in Japan to enjoy it. In this article, I’ll walk you through a simple Okonomiyaki recipe using authentic Japanese ingredients that you can easily get from Konbini Stop, an online store that ships worldwide.
What is Okonomiyaki?
So, what exactly is Okonomiyaki? The word "Okonomiyaki" comes from the Japanese words "okonomi," meaning "how you like" or "what you like," and "yaki," meaning "grilled" or "cooked." It’s a dish that’s as flexible as its name suggests. While there are regional variations, like the Hiroshima style which includes noodles, or the Osaka style which is simpler, at its core, Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake filled with a variety of ingredients and topped with delicious sauces.
Think of it as comfort food that’s a hit at festivals and a staple at home in Japan. But don't worry—making Okonomiyaki at home is easy, even if you’re not in Japan. Let’s dive into the key ingredients you’ll need.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Okonomiyaki
Nissin Okonomiyaki Flour
First things first: the base of any great Okonomiyaki is the batter, and that starts with Nissin Okonomiyaki Flour. This special flour mix is specifically designed to create the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside. The flour already contains dashi (a Japanese soup stock), so it’s packed with flavor right from the start.
You can find Nissin Okonomiyaki Flour at Konbini Stop. It’s a must-have for getting that authentic Japanese taste and texture.
Otafuku Okonomiyaki Sauce
Next up is the sauce—arguably the most important part of Okonomiyaki. Otafuku Okonomiyaki Sauce is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, with a hint of tanginess. It’s what gives Okonomiyaki its signature flavor and makes every bite irresistible.
Drizzle it generously over your cooked pancake, and you’ll see why this sauce is a staple in every Okonomiyaki recipe. You can grab a bottle of Otafuku Okonomiyaki Sauceat Konbini Stop.
Kewpie Mayonnaise Stick Pack
A drizzle of Kewpie Mayonnaise is the finishing touch that elevates your Okonomiyaki to the next level. Unlike regular mayonnaise, Kewpie has a richer, creamier taste that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the pancake and sauce. The stick pack is especially convenient—just squeeze and drizzle it on top!
You can find Kewpie Mayonnaise Stick Packs at Konbini Stop. They’re perfect for adding that authentic touch to your Okonomiyaki.
Katsuobushi Bonito Flakes
Now, here’s where things get fun. Katsuobushi Bonito Flakes are thin, dried flakes of bonito fish that you sprinkle on top of your hot Okonomiyaki. As the flakes hit the warm pancake, they start to "dance" due to the heat—adding a bit of drama to your dish! But it’s not just for show; the bonito flakes add a deep umami flavor that’s essential to authentic Okonomiyaki.
Pick up Katsuobushi Bonito Flakes from Konbini Stop and experience this unique topping for yourself.
Yamahide Aonori Powdered Seaweed
Finally, we have Yamahide Aonori Powdered Seaweed. This fine, green seaweed powder is lightly sprinkled over the Okonomiyaki just before serving. It adds a fresh, ocean-like flavor and a beautiful pop of color to the dish.
Find Yamahide Aonori Powdered Seaweed at Konbini Stop to complete your authentic Okonomiyaki experience.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Okonomiyaki
Now that you have all the essential ingredients, let’s make a proper, authentic Okonomiyaki! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Japanese pancake at home:
1. Prepare the Batter
Start by mixing Nissin Okonomiyaki Flour with water according to the package instructions. To this batter, add 1-2 eggs and grated yam (nagaimo) if available, which will give the Okonomiyaki a fluffier texture. Shredded cabbage (about 2 cups) is a must—this gives Okonomiyaki its signature texture and flavor. Optionally, you can also add chopped green onions and tenkasu (tempura bits) for added crunch.
2. Add Your Fillings
Once your batter is ready, fold in your favorite fillings. Traditional Okonomiyaki often includes thin slices of pork belly, shrimp, or even octopus. You can get creative with ingredients like cheese, mochi, or even corn. Mix the batter and fillings gently until everything is well-combined.
3. Cook the Okonomiyaki
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and add a little oil. Pour a portion of the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly into a thick, round pancake shape (about 1-2 cm thick).
Cook the Okonomiyaki for about 5-6 minutes on one side, allowing the cabbage to soften and the bottom to become golden brown. Flip it carefully and cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes. Make sure both sides are nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Toppings
Once your Okonomiyaki is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate. Now comes the fun part—adding the toppings! Start by drizzling Otafuku Okonomiyaki Sauce over the top in a zigzag pattern. Next, do the same with the Kewpie Mayonnaise. You can get creative with your patterns, making swirls or crisscross designs.
5. Finish with Flakes and Seaweed
Finally, sprinkle Katsuobushi Bonito Flakes over the hot Okonomiyaki and watch them dance! Then, add a light dusting of Yamahide Aonori Powdered Seaweed to finish off the dish.
And there you have it—delicious, homemade Okonomiyaki, just like you’d find in Japan!
Where to Buy Okonomiyaki Ingredients
Making Okonomiyaki is easy when you have the right ingredients, and luckily, you can find everything you need at Konbini Stop. Here’s a quick guide on where to buy each product:
Yamahide Aonori Powdered Seaweed
Konbini Stop offers worldwide shipping, so you can get these authentic Japanese ingredients delivered straight to your door, no matter where you live.
Tips for Perfect Okonomiyaki
Here are a few tips to ensure your Okonomiyaki turns out perfect every time:
- Batter Consistency: Keep the batter slightly thick to ensure a fluffy texture. If it’s too runny, the pancake might fall apart when you flip it.
- Cooking Temperature: Cook the pancake over medium heat. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked; too low, and it won’t get that nice golden color.
- Flipping: Use a wide spatula to flip the pancake gently. If you’re nervous, you can divide the batter into smaller pancakes to make flipping easier.
Conclusion
Okonomiyaki is a fun, delicious dish that you can easily make at home with just a few key ingredients. Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress. And with all the ingredients available at Konbini Stop, it’s never been easier to bring a taste of Japan into your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Konbini Stop to grab everything you need and start cooking your own Okonomiyaki today. Happy cooking!