Popular Japanese street food that is fluffy, crunchy, and my favorite way to enjoy cabbage!
If you never tried Okonomiyaki, Japanese Savory Cabbage Pancake, you are missing out. Okonomiyaki is one of my favorite things to order at night markets, and you can customize it with your own choice of protein, toppings, and condiments.
Today I am sharing my Bacon and Cabbage Okonomiyaki, but you can also enjoy it with seafood, shiitake mushroom, cheese, or even yakisoba noodles. It might be the most delicious way to enjoy cabbage!
Growing up, whenever I visit night markets in Taiwan, there are always two stalls packed with people lining up, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
Two popular Japanese Street Food where you can smell the delicious batter from blocks away. I always love trying different toppings and condiments every time I visit.
I have never been to Japan, but when I do, Okonomiyaki-ya restaurants are for sure of my top must-visit places!
Okonomiyaki is one of my favorite dishes to make on girls’ night with ice-cold beers.
The savory pancake batter is fluffy, cabbage is crunchy and refreshing, and the tasty sauce on top makes it super addicting.
The secret to extra fluffy Okonomiyaki is Japanese Yam, a crucial ingredient that makes a world of difference.
You can find Japanese Yam (nagaimo) are most Asian grocery stores. Make sure to wear a glove if you have sensitive skin, as your skin may become itchy when grating the yam.
Let’s talk about my favorite part of Okonomiyaki, the toppings.
My go-to condiments are Japanese Mayo, Takoyaki Sauce, Bonito Flakes, and dried seaweed! You can find all of these condiments at your Asian Grocery Market, and they are also on Amazon (linked).
A common question I get asked often is the difference between Japanese Mayo and American Mayo.
You can always substitute to American Mayo, but Kewpie Mayo is a STABLE item in my kitchen.
- Japanese Mayo is made with ONLY the yolk, which gives it richer flour and a more custard-like texture.
- Japanese Mayo is slightly sweeter as it is made with Rice Vinegar, giving it a sweeter tang versus American Mayo.
- No Salt and other seasoning are added except for MSG, which gives it its umami flavor!
Do you like Japanese Food? Here are some of my EASY recipes that are super delicious!
- Tonkatsu – Japanese Fried Pork Chops (CRISPY)
- Caramel Custard Pudding – Purin (5 Ingredients!)
- Potato Croquette – Korokke (Cheesy!)
- Beef Curry (EXTRA SAVOURY)
Ingredients
- 200 g Cake Flour
- 2 Large Eggs
- 200 g COLD Water
- 100 g Japanese Yam (grated)
- ¼ Cabbage (chopped)
- 2 Green Onion (chopped)
- 4-7 slices of Bacon (or topping of your choice)
Ratio 2:1 of Batter/Flour compare to Cabbage.
- In a bowl, sift in the cake flour to prevent any lumps. Add in 2 eggs, ice-cold water, season with salt, and grated Japanese yam. Mix till a thick but fluffy batter.
- Add in the chopped cabbage, green onion, and fold to mix.
- Turn the heat to medium-, in a non-stick pan, add in oil. Once the pan is hot, add in the cabbage mixture. Spread, so it is even, topped with sliced bacon. Cover and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Flip, cover, and let it cook for another 4-6 minutes.
- Topped with your preferred condiments such as takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, seaweed, and bonito flakes.
Okonomiyaki, Japanese Savory Cabbage Pancake
Materials
- 200 g Cake Flour
- 2 Large Eggs
- 200 g COLD Water
- 100 g Japanese Yam grated
- ¼ Cabbage chopped
- 2 Green Onion chopped
- 4-7 slices of Bacon or topping of your choice
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift in the cake flour to prevent any lumps. Add in 2 eggs, ice-cold water, season with salt, and grated Japanese yam. Mix till a thick but fluffy batter.
- Add in the chopped cabbage, green onion, and fold to mix.
- Turn the heat to medium-, in a non-stick pan, add in oil. Once the pan is hot, add in the cabbage mixture. Spread, so it is even, topped with sliced bacon. Cover and let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Flip, cover, and let it cook for another 4-6 minutes.
- Topped with your preferred condiments such as takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, seaweed, and bonito flakes.
