Japanese pancake recipe brings a savoury twist to the usual breakfast favourite by turning cabbage into a crispy, filling dish inspired by Japanese street stalls. This version keeps things simple yet satisfying, making it easy to recreate in a home kitchen without special tools.
Unlike sweet pancakes, this dish leans on texture and umami. The batter lightly coats the vegetables, allowing them to cook through while forming a golden crust outside. The okonomiyaki recipe has roots in Osaka and Hiroshima, where it is often cooked on hot griddles and customised with different toppings.
What makes it worth trying is its flexibility. Seasonal cabbage works best, especially in cooler months when it is fresh and crunchy. The balance of soft inside and crisp edges, along with tangy sauces, makes it suitable for quick lunches or relaxed evening meals.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
2 cupsCabbage (finely shredded)
1/2 cupAll-purpose flour
2Eggs
1/4 cupWater or dashi
2 tbspSpring onions (chopped)
1/4 tspSalt
1/4 tspBlack pepper
1 tbspOil (for cooking)
2 tbspOkonomiyaki sauce / thick sweet sauce
1 tbspMayonnaise
as requiredTempura flakes or grated carrot (optional)
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, and water until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter. Add salt and pepper at this stage. The consistency should coat the cabbage without becoming too runny or too dense.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Add cabbage mix
Fold in the shredded cabbage and spring onions gently so everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing as it can release excess moisture. If using extras like carrot or tempura flakes, mix them in lightly at this stage.
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Step 3: Heat the pan
Place a flat pan or skillet on medium heat and add a little oil. Spread it evenly so the pancake cooks without sticking. Let the pan heat properly before adding the mixture to ensure even browning.
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Step 4: Cook the pancake
Pour the cabbage mixture into the pan and shape it into a thick round pancake. Press lightly to flatten. Cook undisturbed until the bottom turns golden brown, allowing the inside to steam gently.
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Step 5: Flip and finish
Carefully flip the pancake using a wide spatula. Cook the other side until crisp and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer to a plate and drizzle sauce and mayonnaise in zigzag patterns for a classic finish.
This dish uses cabbage, eggs, and flour to create a filling option. It skips sweetness and focuses on texture, making it suitable for lunch or dinner rather than breakfast.
Yes, you can replace dashi with water and use simple sauces at home. The result still tastes satisfying, even without traditional Japanese pantry items.
This usually happens if the batter is too loose or the cabbage pieces are too large. Keeping a tighter mixture and cooking longer before flipping helps hold shape.
You can replace eggs with a mix of flour and water, though the texture will be softer. Adding a little cornflour can help improve binding slightly.
Cook on medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let it cook undisturbed so a crust forms before flipping, which gives the pancake its signature crisp edges.