Savory Okonomiyaki with a Rich Dashi Broth
Master the Art of Okonomiyaki at Home: A Delicious Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey with this authentic Japanese Okonomiyaki recipe. We’ll create a flavorful dashi broth using kombu and bonito flakes, which forms the base for a delightful batter. This savory pancake, packed with fresh cabbage, shrimp, and your choice of additions, is pan-fried to golden perfection. Garnished with classic okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and dancing bonito flakes, it’s a truly satisfying dish that promises a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a fun family meal or a comforting solo treat!
Flavorful Bonito Dashi Broth- Kombu seaweed (5x5cm) 1 piece
- Bonito flakes (katsuobushi) 1 cup
- Water 1L
Okonomiyaki Ingredients- Cabbage 100g (thinly shredded)
- Cocktail shrimp 50g (bite-sized)
- Scallions 1/3 cup (chopped)
- Cooked Udon noodles or fresh Yakisoba noodles, chopped (optional, for texture)
- Bacon 2 strips (cut into thirds)
- Mayonnaise (for drizzling)
- Okonomiyaki sauce or Tonkatsu sauce (for coating)
- Bonito flakes (for garnish)
The Batter- All-purpose flour 1 cup
- Egg 1
- Prepared Bonito dashi broth 1 cup
- Cabbage 100g (thinly shredded)
- Cocktail shrimp 50g (bite-sized)
- Scallions 1/3 cup (chopped)
- Cooked Udon noodles or fresh Yakisoba noodles, chopped (optional, for texture)
- Bacon 2 strips (cut into thirds)
- Mayonnaise (for drizzling)
- Okonomiyaki sauce or Tonkatsu sauce (for coating)
- Bonito flakes (for garnish)
The Batter- All-purpose flour 1 cup
- Egg 1
- Prepared Bonito dashi broth 1 cup
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the heart of our Okonomiyaki: the rich Bonito Dashi Broth. In a pot, combine 1L of water and the kombu. Bring it to a boil, then immediately turn off the heat and remove the kombu. Add the bonito flakes to the hot water, cover the pot, and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to get a clear, flavorful dashi. This dashi can be stored in the freezer for future use. We’ll need 1 cup of this precious broth for our batter.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly shredded cabbage and the cocktail shrimp. Add the chopped scallions (about 1/3 cup). For an extra textural element and a delightful chew, finely chop about 1 cooked udon noodle or fresh yakisoba noodle and add it to the bowl. If udon or yakisoba noodles are unavailable, you can use cooked ramen noodles instead.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the batter that will bind everything together. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, and 1 cup of the prepared Bonito dashi broth until smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps.
Step 4
A quick note on flour: ‘Cake flour’ results in tender baked goods, ‘bread flour’ is for chewy bread, and ‘all-purpose flour’ is versatile. For Okonomiyaki, all-purpose flour provides the perfect balance of structure and softness.
Step 5
Gently pour the prepared batter over the ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or your hands, carefully mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the Okonomiyaki. You want to coat the ingredients evenly without mushing them.
Step 6
Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Spoon a portion of the Okonomiyaki mixture onto the hot surface, shaping it into a round pancake about 1-1.5 cm thick. Before flipping, lay the pieces of bacon on top of the uncooked surface. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and set. Carefully flip the Okonomiyaki and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
Step 7
Once perfectly cooked, carefully transfer the Okonomiyaki to a serving plate. Brush the top generously with Okonomiyaki sauce (or Tonkatsu sauce), spreading it evenly. Then, drizzle mayonnaise artfully over the sauce in a zig-zag pattern or any design you like!
Step 8
The final flourish! Generously sprinkle a handful of bonito flakes over the top, letting them ‘dance’ from the heat. Finish with a scattering of chopped scallions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Your delicious homemade Okonomiyaki is ready to be enjoyed!
