Okonomiyaki Recipe: Making the Japanese Omelette at Home

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Food is more than just something we eat. It is also culture, comfort, and creativity. When it comes to Japanese cuisine, one dish that combines all of these things beautifully is okonomiyaki recipe.

The word "okonomiyaki" comes from two Japanese words: "okonomi," meaning "how you like," and "yaki," meaning "grilled." This dish is often called a Japanese savory pancake. What makes it special is that the okonomiyaki recipe allows you to use different ingredients depending on your taste. It can be made with seafood, pork, vegetables, or even just simple cabbage.

In this article, we will share an easy Japanese okonomiyaki recipe and tips to make the perfect one at home. We will also share some okonomiyaki variations you should try. We gathered the recipe and tips from various sources, Tuesday (19/8/2025).

If you want to make Japanese okonomiyaki at home, you can follow this easy okonomiyaki recipe.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 2/3 cup dashi (Japanese soup stock) or water

- 2 eggs

- 3 cups finely chopped cabbage

- 1/2 cup chopped green onions

- 4 to 6 slices of thinly sliced pork belly (or bacon)

- Cooking oil for frying

For topping:

- Okonomiyaki sauce (or a mix of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup)

- Japanese mayonnaise

- Dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi)

- Dried seaweed flakes (aonori)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and dashi (or water) until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well.

2. Stir in the chopped cabbage and green onions until the mixture is evenly combined.

3. Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little cooking oil.

4. Pour half of the batter mixture into the pan, shaping it into a round pancake about 6 to 8 inches wide.

5. Place 2 or 3 slices of pork belly on top of the pancake.

6. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and firm enough to flip.

7. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the pork is cooked and the pancake is cooked through.

8. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.

9. Transfer the pancakes to a plate and drizzle with okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. Sprinkle bonito flakes and seaweed on top.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade okonomiyaki.

Making okonomiyaki at home can be fun, but there are a few tips that can help you get the best results.

1. Use Fresh Cabbage: Fresh cabbage gives your okonomiyaki a crisp texture and a light flavor. Choose cabbage that is firm and bright in color. Old or soft cabbage will make the pancake less tasty and not as crunchy.

2. Do Not Overmix the Batter: Mix the flour, eggs, and vegetables just until combined. Overmixing will develop too much gluten, which can make the pancake heavy and dense instead of soft and fluffy.

3. Control the Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures the inside cooks properly while the outside turns golden. If the heat is too high, the surface may burn quickly while the middle stays raw.

4. Try Different Fillings: Pork belly is a classic, but you can also add shrimp, squid, cheese, or seasonal vegetables. Each filling brings a different taste and texture, allowing you to enjoy new flavors every time.

5. Add Toppings Creatively: Okonomiyaki is famous for its toppings. Use traditional options like bonito flakes and seaweed, or experiment with sesame seeds, pickled ginger, or extra sauces for more exciting flavor combinations.

6. Make Smaller Pancakes: If flipping a large pancake feels tricky, make smaller ones instead. They are easier to handle, cook faster, and still deliver the same delicious taste without the stress of flipping a big pancake.

7. Serve Immediately: Okonomiyaki tastes best when served hot, straight from the pan. The texture is crispy, and the flavors are stronger when fresh. Waiting too long can make the pancake lose its softness and taste.

One of the best things about okonomiyaki is its flexibility. Depending on where you are in Japan or your personal taste, you can enjoy different versions of this savory pancake. Here are some popular variations you can try.

1. Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki: This is the most common version, where all the ingredients like cabbage, flour, and eggs are mixed together before cooking. It is simple, filling, and usually topped with pork slices.

2. Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki: Unlike the Osaka style, this variation layers the ingredients instead of mixing them. It also often includes yakisoba noodles or udon inside, making it more filling and unique.

3. Seafood Okonomiyaki: Perfect for seafood lovers, this version adds shrimp, squid, or scallops into the batter. It gives the pancake a fresh and savory taste that pairs perfectly with traditional sauces and toppings.

4. Modern-yaki: A playful variation where noodles are fried with the pancake. This combination of okonomiyaki and fried noodles makes it especially popular among young people who want a heartier dish.