Okonomiyaki
Okonomi means ‘as you like’ referring to the ingredients that are mixed with the batter to make this Japanese savoury pancake, okonomiyaki.
Said to have originated in Osaka, okonomiyaki can now be found all over Japan and with its crisp outer layer and moist filling, will satisfy the taste buds of any hungry traveller.
‘Yaki’ refers to the grilling of the pancake after it has been mixed with your choice of ingredients, most commonly pork, cabbage, shrimp, squid, mushroom, kimuchee, rice cake, spring onion, tempura flakes or ‘whatever you like.’ When cooked, okonomiyaki is topped with Japanese mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, bonito fish flakes, nori flakes and pickled ginger. Try making okonimiyaki and sharing it in the centre of the table as part of a casual Japanese dinner with friends.
SERVES 4
METHOD
To make the batter, mix the flour, stock and water in a bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
In a separate bowl take 1 ladle or 100ml of batter, 1 handful of cabbage, a few pieces of leek, 1 egg, a pinch of seaweed flakes, some tempura balls, and add in any other toppings that you desire. Mix all the ingredients together lightly. Be careful not to add too many toppings.
To cook the okonomiyaki, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a fry pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the mixed ingredients into the center of the fry pan. Cook until the base is golden brown, approximately 10 minutes. Flip over and lightly flatten out the pancake, being careful not to over press. Cook on the reverse side for 5 to 10 minutes, until the pancake is cooked through.
Remove the pancake from the heat and cover the surface with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise to taste. Don’t be shy with the sauce! Finally top it off with bonito and nori flakes if you like.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 to 2 cups plain flour
300 to 400ml water
4g sea kelp
4g bonito fish stock
¼ medium sized cabbage, shredded
1 egg per pancake
1 leek, sliced to 1cm pieces
1 tablespoon Dry sea weed flakes per pancake
2 tablespoons tempura Oil balls per pancake4 eggs (one per pancake) (one pancake= 1each)
Mayonnaise to taste
Okonomiyaki sauce to taste
TOPPING IDEAS
Mushrooms
Pickled ginger
Pork, bacon etc…
Shrimp, squid or scallops
Grated cheese
Kimchi
Bonito flakes
ANYTHING YOU LIKE!!