Savory Japanese Cabbage Pancakes
Yes. Cabbage + Pancake = delicious.
Many times, I have found myself with a leftover cabbage in the fridge. To avoid wasting it, one of my go-to strategies is to make vegetable fritters or pancakes. One recipe that I highly recommend adding to your repertoire is Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese cabbage pancake. The name Okonomiyaki translates to "as you like + grilled," which means you can use any vegetables you have on hand, along with cabbage. Simply chop everything up, mix it into the batter, fry it on a griddle, and top it with your choice of toppings. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or anytime you're craving something delicious.
In this recipe, I will provide instructions for making Okonomiyaki in two different styles: Osaka style and Hiroshima style. Both methods yield incredibly tasty results, so feel free to choose the one that appeals to you the most.
INGREDIENTS:
BATTER-
1 C Flour
1 C milk of your choice
1/3 C water
1 egg
1tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
-Filling:
1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
2-3 carrots, shredded
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 lb pork belly
2-3 green onions, julienned
*shrimp, cheese, squid, tofu, yakisoba noodles
-Topping:
okonomiyaki sauce (or tonkatsu sauce- Japanese bbq sauce!)
kewpie mayo
crumbled nori or furikake
green onion
bonito flakes
-INSTRUCTIONS:
Osaka Style- mix 1/2 C batter with 1/2 c shredded cabbage, a handful of shredded carrots, green onions, and whatever other fillings you’d like. Add to a heated and oiled griddled. Pressing down to create an even leveled circle. Add strips of pork belly on top. Once the bottom has become golden and crisp, carefully flip Okonomiyaki.
Allow to cool for another 4-5 minutes. Add preferred toppings. Remove from heat and enjoy!
Hiroshima style- on a heated and oiled griddle/pan, add 1/4 cup of batter to the pan and create and thin layer. Add shredded cabbage, yakisoba noodles, and whatever other preferred toppings. Add a spoonful or two of the batter on top. Gently flip the Okonomiyaki and press down on top the pan.
After it has cooked for 4-5 minutes, start to put your preferred toppings, remove from heat and enjoy!
